Editor,

The American Legion Riders of South Whidbey, Post 141 would like to thank the various community members and organizations who donated blankets, clothing, shoes, sleeping bags and toiletry kits to us. On Jan. 25, we attempted to hold a spaghetti feed for homeless veterans in our community. Between the extreme cold and potential transportation issues, nobody showed up.

We were able to pivot and stay true to our original intentions for the most part. On Jan. 30, we were able to drop off all the clothing and sleeping bags collected and the monetary donations that we raised to the Whidbey Homeless Coalition at their annual Point In Time Count at the Island Church in Langley. The toiletry kits will be getting delivered to Hobucket House, a disabled veterans home, in Port Orchard in the near future as well.

The following generous people and organizations have our utmost gratitude:

1. Freeland Eagles Aerie 3418

2. Marilyn Little and Leslie Breeden

3. Bob and Yvette Cadwallader

4. Ed Noble

5. Eloise Taylor

6. Bill Taylor of AB Custom Roofing

7. Jim and Linda Hall

8. Juergen Rice

9. Dan Morrison and his wife (I’m sorry we didn’t catch your name)

10. Second-Hand Booty, who kindly allowed Gavin Wissler to sort through clothing items for free.

11. Gavin Wissler, who sorted through piles of clothing, laundered items, and delivered those items to the American Legion Post 141.

12. Sarah Branham of the restaurant Sarah Beth’s American Kitchen for helping us cook all the spaghetti, garlic bread, and caesar salad.

13. The rest of our American Legion Family: the veterans of Post 141, The Auxiliary of Post 141, and the Sons of the American Legion Post 141.

Thanks to all your support, we were able to fill a massive gap that the Whidbey Homeless Coalition wasn’t sure that they would be able to fill.

Also, thank you to the Whidbey Homeless Coalition for the important work you do in our community and for giving our donations a home. We’re thankful we could bless you and all the people you were able to bless that day.

Without the generosity of our community members and organizations, none of this would have been possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

American Legion Riders of South Whidbey,

Post 141 board and members