Legion cancels its two largest fundraisers

Two more annual traditions in Saukville, the biggest fundraisers of the year to benefit military veterans, will not be held this year due to Covid-19.

The Landt Thiel American Legion Post’s annual Harvest Moon Dance, which was scheduled to be held Saturday, Oct. 24, and the Legion’s Christmas at the Legion event have been canceled due to concerns over the coronavirus and Gov. Tony Evers’ restrictions on crowds.

“They’re our biggest fundraisers of the year,” Post Auxiliary President Mary Ellen Race said.

The Covid virus and its accompanying lockdown has had a devastating effect on the economy in general but also on village life and local charities.

Local events that were canceled or forced to go virtual have also included the Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations, the Saukville Fire Department’s auto show and the Chamber of Commerce’s Saukville Scare 5K run and walk.

No additional fundraising events have been planned to replace the two Legion events, Race said, but the needs of veterans continue.

“The needs don’t stop, especially now in this period,” she said. “We’re lucky that we’ve been able to help the veterans that we have because of past fundraisers.”

Programs supported by the Legion and the Auxiliary include Wisconsin Homeless Women Veterans, the Zablocki Veterans Suicide Program, Disabled Veterans Fish Outing, Saukville Community Food Pantry, local Scouting, Saukville police and fire departments, Salvation Army, local schools, Blood Center of Wisconsin and Camp Hometown Heroes.

Also assisted are individual veterans and their families in need and the Legion/Auxiliary National Emergency Program that helps victims of natural disasters.

Auxiliary members will be distributing poppies on two upcoming dates in recognition of Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and to benefit disabled veterans.

Volunteers will be distributing poppies from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Piggly Wiggly in Saukville and hold a poppy drive-through, in which people do not have to leave their car, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Legion Hall, 601 W. Dekora St. 

Poppies are free, but donations are accepted.

Visit www.landt-thiel470.org for more information.