Ladd American Legion collects socks, hand warmers, pillowcases for veterans

The Ladd American Legion Auxiliary collected 80 pairs of socks, 40 hand warmers and 24 pillowcases for the Goodwill Stand Down in Peoria for veterans.

The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, in the Legion Hall, 111 S. Main St. All members are asked to bring personal items for the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle instead of a Christmas exchange.

The American Legion Auxiliary will provide $25 gift cards to five locally active veterans for Christmas.

The Americanism essay contest will be available for all seventh and eighth grade at Ladd Grade School and any high school in the Illinois Valley area. The title this year is “Patriotism: How We Are More Alike Than Different.” Any student interested in writing an essay can contact Geri Devert at 815-894-2269 for details. There are scholarships from $300 to $1,200 and awards from $100 to $200, depending on the class of competition.

The American Legion Auxiliary also will sponsor the poppy poster contest for fifth graders at Ladd Grade School.

Anyone wishing to join the auxiliary contact Sandy Dunseth or any member of the Ladd Post 938.