American Legion plans special events
By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
EAST WINDSOR — The American Legion Post 148 spearheads fundraisers for veterans throughout the year.
The proceeds from Hightstown the Legion’s events go directly to assisting American men and women who served in all branches of the military, often times, in war zones.
American Legion Post 148 is located in East Windsor a little over one mile from the borough and has an Hightstown mailing address. There are about 200 members.
This Sunday, the Legion is holding a candle sale to raise money for an upcoming Veterans Day picnic at the end of the summer. An exact date for the event will be announced shortly.
Traditionally, veterans living at New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland are transported to the picnic. This facility is commonly referred to as Vineland Home.
The veterans enjoy a day of festivities at Post 148, which sits on the border of East Windsor and Hightstown. The event provides the veterans with great food, a chance to tell stories, and form new friendships.
The picnic is being organized by Deborah Soto, 2nd vice commander at the Legion. She is also overseeing Sunday’s two fundraisers. Notably, on April 2, she became the first woman promoted to the high-ranking position at American Legion Post 148.
Ms. Soto served 15 years in the U.S. military. She is a veteran of Desert Storm.
”We exchange stories; it’s real nice,” she said of the upcoming picnic for veterans.
This year, in addition to Vineland Home, Ms. Soto hopes to invite veterans from Veteran’s Memorial Home near Menlo Park in Edison and Veteran’s Memorial Home in Paramus.
”This is something big,” Ms. Soto said in reference to this year’s plans.
All three senior living facilities are operated by the Department of Military Affairs of which Ms. Soto is an employee.
She invited members of the community, including veterans, to participate in the upcoming picnic, either by volunteering at the event or by donating food items for the grill. She said she encouraged anyone in the community to get involved.
The money raised at Sunday’s candle sale will go directly toward the upcoming annual Veterans Day picnic, Ms. Soto said.
The Legion will earn 50 percent of each PartyLite candle sold this Sunday, Ms. Sotto said. The candle sale begins 2 p.m. at the Legion, 895 Route 130.
The sales from this event is one of the sources of revenue that Ms. Soto is relying on for the upcoming Veterans Day picnic.
”We have started a flea market in which we are looking for vendors to sell. The cost is $10 if you bring your own table and $15 if you use our tables,” she said. The flea market likely will move to Saturdays from Sundays in August.
Ms. Soto said the Legion soon would host monthly dinners. There’s also an oldies dance planned for November.
This spring, the Sons of the American Legion, held a surf and turf dinner featuring fresh lobster flown in from Maine. Another lobster bash is planned for Oct. 1.
For more information, visit www.legion.org or call 609-448-9880.