Volunteers line up to help serve needy families. (Submitted photo/Cindy Pearce)

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who participated with any and all facets of the amazing home cooked Christmas Dinners the American Legion delivered on Christmas Day. Even on Sunday, there were volunteers helping with the final steps bringing over 575 dinners all together ready for delivery. There are so many to thank who worked to bring this special project together. The farmers who donated the vegetables, Seminis Seed, Duda and Lipman, the volunteers who cleaned and cut veggies, cake bakers, the crew who ordered and prepared the food. To everyone who helped in any way, small or big, thank you for your time and Christmas Spirit.

In 1987 the LaBelle Lions Club started Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners. In 1990 the Lions Club continued the Thanksgiving Dinners until 2003 when they disbanded. The American Legion took over the Christmas Dinners in 1990, this being the 27th year. In 1987 100 dinners were served, 1990 it increased to 185, and 2016 over 575. It is a major project for all branches of the Legion, the many volunteers who step up, the donors who supplied food, vegetables and monetary funds to help the veterans, those alone without family to share, and many needy families. We are truly blessed to have such a caring, helpful community who reach out to neighbors. Thank you to the businesses who made monetary donations, Oak Electric, Center State Bank and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the American Legion Auxiliary. The American Legion Post 130 is still accepting tax deductible donations toward this Christmas Blessing.