American Legion Post 79 Building In 'Dire Need' Of Repair

MADISON, CT —American Legion halls, like VFW halls, often provide communities with spaces for folks to rent for celebrations like anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings, but also for scouting, community and civic meetings and solemn occasions and much more.

And perhaps even more significantly, legion halls serve veterans, without any taxpayer funding. The non-profit is part of the "largest US wartime veterans service organization, and is committed to providing financial, social, and emotional support to our fellow servicemen and veterans," its mission reads.

Many of these sites, especially over the course of the more than year-long pandemic, has scuttled many a get-together so the monies raised from renting those spaces slowed, or for some, stopped. Still, the buildings wear and age, and in the case of the American Legion Griswold Post 79, the structure is in dire straits. And hopes the community will rally.

A GoFundMe appeal was created in August of 2020 with a goal of $100,000 to help fund much-needed repairs and renovation. In 10 months, the Post's Building Renovation Fund appeal has raised less than $3,000, and that from just 15 donors. But, Post 70 finance officer George Delmhorst said that "while it is true that our Go Fund Me account has raised less than $2000 to date, it is only one part of our campaign to renovate our Post building. Our road to the $100,000 goal is well past half-way. Contributions are greatly appreciated, either through Go Fund Me or directly to the post at PO Box 404, Madison 06443."

"Our building has served veterans and the community for generations. It is located in the center of Madison near the beautiful green and downtown. It has hosted events and meetings for veterans, scouts, community nonprofits, and private events - all without taxpayer funding. But it is showing its age," the plea on GoFundMe reads. "The building is in dire need of interior and exterior repairs and upgrade."

The American Legion Post 79 admits it is an "ambitious undertaking," but asks for help ot make the "building one that we can all be proud of."