GALION — Members of Galion Scarbrough Post 243 have joined with hundreds of other American Legion posts to help make this Christmas memorable for hospitalized veterans. They are doing it by collecting funds for the annual American Legion of Ohio “Gifts for the Yanks Who Gave” program.

The Ohio American Legion is pooling funds from posts for gifts and activities benefiting veterans in Ohio’s state hospitals, Veteran’s Affairs medical centers, outpatient clinics and the Ohio Veterans Home at Sandusky. The programs name is the same as one initiated by comedian Eddie Cantor during World War II.

“This effort is not limited to members of the Legion,” stated Commander Jim Brocklesby. “We welcome contributions from individuals and business establishments to help finance the state-wide program, annually costing an average of $250,000.”

Checks may be made payable to ‘Gifts for Yanks’ and sent to the local chairman Donald Rinehart at P.O. Box 788 Galion, OH 44833.”

The Ohio American Legion is also contributing to each of the five gift shops operated at the VA hospitals, whereby patients may select gifts to send to their families, and nearly $20,000 for the purchase of canteen books for VA patients.

Televisions, radios and other electronic equipment for the VA hospitals and the Ohio Veterans Home are also being provided again this year from the program funds. The fund will also spend over $1 million dollars on activities, other than the Christmas activities, for VA and state hospital patients, as well as provide year round recreation opportunities.