Local auxiliary seeks new members
Peabody Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 6229 is hoping to attract members to fill its dwindling ranks of volunteers.
"Any woman over the age of 16 is eligible as long as a member of her family served with the United States Armed Forces on foreign soil in time of war," said Lila Richter, treasurer of the local group.
"We are down to 14 members following the death of Joan Palmer," Richter said. "Most of our members are older and we would like to recruit some younger women who could help with our projects and bring in new ideas and enthusiasm."
Peabody Post 6229 meets one evening a month and hosts bake sales and a July 4th raffle to raise money to send packages to local soldiers overseas. They also help sell Buddy Poppies during Memorial Day weekend. Funds from poppy sales help needy veterans and their families and help provide care for children at the VFW National Home for Children.
"When we have funds available we also donate to help local groups that serve Peabody such as the Christmas light fund, the annual fireworks, and others," she said.
Nationally, VFW Auxiliary groups support troops with letters, care packages, and calling cards. They sponsor cancer research and youth scholarships. Auxiliary members host an annual birthday party for the Statue of Liberty and provide funding for support of the statue and grounds.
Many other worthwhile projects are done by auxiliary groups that have the membership to carry them out.
"We also would like to have people send the names of our soldiers from Peabody and Burns so that we can include them when we send packages overseas," Richter added. "We were aware of several, but they have all returned home. If anyone knows of a service man or woman with ties to our community, they should contact the VFW Auxiliary."
For more information about joining the auxiliary or to pass along the name of a soldier, contact Richter at 983-2831.
