IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) — The American Legion Post 50 in Dickinson County has launched a new program to help veterans in need by providing gift cards for food and fuel. This income-based initiative, designed to help the county’s most vulnerable veterans, is made possible by donations collected by the Legion and its affiliated groups.
Christy Faymonville, a member of American Legion Post 50 and co-chair of the organization’s bingo events, stressed the importance of giving back to the community’s veterans. “We wanted to give back to our most needy veterans,” Faymonville explained. “Our homeless, those who may have children and could use a little extra help. I went to the director of our Dickinson County Veterans Service Office, Denise Formolo, and she said, ‘This is what we need.'”
The program has successfully collected about $500 in gift cards, each given in $25 increments to veterans in need. Faymonville described the simplicity of the program: “Veterans can walk into Denise’s office and she can immediately give them some food and gas for their car when they need to drive to jobs, interviews, or pick up their kids from school. We’re really, really proud of it.”
The gift cards are available at the Veterans Service Office (VSO) at 2301 Woodward Avenue near the airport in Kingsford. Veterans in need can schedule an appointment by calling 906-774-2820 or emailing Denise Formolo at [email protected].
Faymonville also encouraged veterans who are struggling to seek help. “If you are a veteran and need help, please reach out to places like the American Legion, VFW or VSO officers. We are here for you and there are many programs that can help you.”
The American Legion Post 50 raises funds primarily through its weekly bingo events, which are held every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the post’s bingo hall on River Ave. Faymonville noted that the Legion is always looking for volunteers to help with events like bingo and the upcoming fall fish fry. The post holds its monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and welcomes new members.
This new initiative underscores the Postal Service’s commitment to supporting veterans and ensures those in need receive immediate assistance when they need it most.
*Pictured, from left to right: Dennis Larson, Jim Richards, Barb Larson, Denise Formolo, Christy Faymonville.
