From left are Randy Bruntjens, post #71 commander, Dale Rajala, Gladstone Food Pantry assistant and Legion Commander Barry Holm.

GLADSTONE — The Gladstone Michigan August Mattson American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion have made a $400 Donation to the Gladstone St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry.

According to the Squadron Commander Randy Bruntjens and Post Commander Barry Holm, “Our group’s were looking for a great way to give back to the community and thought this donation just before Christmas when the shelves are a bit lower was the best time to help the pantry with their needs and their hope to re-stock the shelves. This is the time after baskets are filled when the need is the greatest.”

The Legion and the Son’s of the American Legion are working together. Although Sons has its own membership, the organization is not a separate entity. Rather, S.A.L. is a program of The American Legion. Many Legionnaires hold dual membership in S.A.L.

The Sons of The American Legion is more than just membership. On all levels, they have worked together with The American Legion to promote a wide variety of programs, including assisting the local posts in all activities, veterans programs , VA home and hospital volunteering, Children & Youth activities, and fundraising.

S.A.L. members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership.

Members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion comprise the Legion Family, which has a combined membership of nearly 3 million. Founded in 1932, Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires.