Palatine American Legion seeks donations for sailor holiday dinner

The American Legion Post 690 family is seeking donations for their Adopt-A-Sailor dinner which is to be held on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 28th when sailors from Great Lakes Naval Station will come to the American Legion hall for a Thanksgiving dinner.

“This year as part of the Post 690 centennial celebration, we are once again opening the American Legion on Thanksgiving Day to those that are actively serving our country,” said Sue Hallsten, Project Chair. “With Great Lakes Naval Station being so close, we are bringing a bus load of recruits to the Legion and providing them with a day of thanks.”

As part of Adopt-A-Sailor, the American Legion family is asking the community to help financially support this dinner. Checks made payable to the American Legion with a notation of Adopt-A-Sailor can be sent to the American Legion Attention: Adopt-A-Sailor 122 West Palatine Road, Palatine, IL 60067. Donations can also be made online through PayPal using the Donate button at Alpost690.us. All donations will receive a letter for tax deductions.

Since these sailors will not be able to enjoy the holiday with their families, the Legion will be providing dinner, a day of activities and the ability to call home for however long they desire. “It is our goal to provide to these young men and women a memory that will stay with them their entire life,” said Hallsten.

This year the American Legion Post 690 is celebrating the 100th anniversary of being chartered by the state and national American Legion organizations. The local organization was founded shortly after World War I after fifty men from Palatine served in the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. At the end of World War II, the Post began construction of its own building at its current location 122 W. Palatine Road in Palatine. By 1949 the building was complete with two floors and a basement.

The American Legion Family consists of the American Legion, the Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.) and Legion Auxiliary. The American Legion and Legion Auxiliary began in 1919 while the S.A.L. was created in 1932 as patriotic veterans’ organizations devoted to mutual helpfulness. These organizations are committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to their fellow service members and veterans.

For further information on the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion, any of their sponsored events or for membership write to their respective organizations at 122 West Palatine Road, Palatine, IL 60067, call 847-359-1606 or visit Alpost690.us.