Local American Legion Post 65 Auxiliary President Erin White and other members of the organization visited the Oneida School district offices to present Lunch Services Director Jean Coburn with a check for $2,000 to be used to pay off the unpaid lunch balances across the school district.  

According to White, who has been in the position of President for the last two years, “While our unit was brainstorming ways to help impact the local community, our Secretary Sheila Huggins mentioned that she had recently seen another unit from another state speak on the issue of the cost of lunch programs within school districts and how financial hardship is truly a public issue right now. We decided to reach out to the Oneida School district to find out what the balance was for those in the negative within our town for their students’ lunch. From there it was a given that we had a way to help and we would do it.” 

Jean Coburn was clearly thrilled by the donation, and expressed sincere thanks to the Auxiliary, and stating that “when they approached me about wanting to donate to the lunch program, I thought it was amazing!”  Coburn estimates that the donation, which will pay off the current balance of $1,600 carried by the district, will end up affecting somewhere around a full half of the students in SD #351.  

While there are many important causes to be supported, White explains that “Our children are our future—our country is theirs to inherit and grow. By supporting education and our youth we are helping our country’s future.”

The donated funds were raised by the Auxiliary during the many activities they participate in during the year, including staffing the food booths for the Horse races and festival of trees.  The Auxiliary also conducts various Food Drives, and in the past they have also sponsored a Veteran and or local family for Christmas, in addition to collecting donations for the Veterans home in Pocatello during the holidays.  The funds the Auxiliary raises are given back to the community to support causes such as the school lunch donation, as well as towards projects that support Veterans directly.

As part of the national effort, Unit 65 of Malad spreads awareness of Veteran Support through our sale of Poppies during Memorial Day weekend, with the poppy chosen to represent those lives that were shed in the service of the country for the freedom its citizens enjoy.  

The American Legion Auxiliary was created in 1919 with a mission of “In the spirit of Service, Not Self.”  The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support the American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad.  “The Auxiliary is a group of family members of our service men and women who help to support the American Legion,” Erin explains. 

Although the Legion Auxiliary is very active, White mentions that “We are always looking to link arms with more community members. You can reach out to me to get an application or feel free to come to our meeting which happens on the 3rd Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the basement of the Legion building on Main street.”  Whether people end up officially joining the Auxiliary or not, White clarifies that everyone is welcome to volunteer and join the Auxiliary’s various efforts.

Asked about the group’s next big project, White says that “This year we are doing something new and we will be selling T-shirts in honor of Memorial Day, we have tons of support from local business who are sponsoring us and will be listed on the back of the shirts.” 

To order a shirt, you can venmo @maladauxiliary $15 per shirt in sizes from XS-XL or  $17 in sizes 2XL-4XL. White asks that people please include a note with their payment, listing their name and number along with shirt size. People can also purchase or order their shirts at Legion Bingo, which takes place the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month. 

The other big upcoming project for the Auxiliary is the sponsorship of two local Junior girls to attend Girls State. White explains that “This is an incredible opportunity for our youth to learn about the government and how it all works.”