The American Legion Post 107 in Leeds is gearing up once again for fundraising and other events aimed at making a difference in the community.  Every year, they raise thousands of dollars for a number of organizations and work behind the scenes with hopes of making the community a better place to live, work and play.

This month, the American Legion Riders and Post 107 are organizing a ride for the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) unit at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.  The program was developed to help those who become victims of sexual assault whether adults or children.

Post 107 started helping SANE in March of 2008 and have since brought over 1,000 stuffed animals to children who fall victim to sexual assault. “It is horrible that there has to be such a unit,” said American Legion Riders Chapter 107 Treasurer and Membership Coordinator Jamie Levan. “We can only hope that these stuffed animals bring them a small bit of comfort during that awful time in their lives.”

Legion members have been collecting stuffed animals over the past several months and ask that anyone who would like to donate new and gently used stuffed animals to drop them off at the American Legion Post 107. 

The SANE Ride will take place on April 10 and will leave from the post and travel to Children’s Hospital. Organizers include that everyone is invited to take part in the ride, whether on a bike or in a car.

A spaghetti lunch is also in the works and set for Saturday, March 20 starting at 12 p.m.  The lunch will benefit Camp Smile-A-Mile, Alabama’s program for children with cancer. Reservations are not required and the meal costs $6 for spaghetti, garlic bread and salad. The proceeds from the event and others will be delivered during the annual bike ride from Barber Motorsports Park to Camp Smile-A-Mile, which will take place on June 12.

The American Legion’s annual Easter Egg Hunt is also right around the corner on April 3. The hunt will be held at the walking track and Leeds Memorial Park. The hunt will begin at 11 a.m. and is free to the public. Children will have snacks and will be able to pick from an assortment of toys and gifts. A drawing of names will also award a boy and girl Easter basket.  Over 250 dozen eggs are hid each year.

In 2007, the American Legion Riders raised $14,326. The following year they raised $17,000 and last year they raised over $30,000 towards community service initiatives such as SANE and Camp Smile-A-Mile.

For additional information, contact the American Legion Post 107 at 699-2695.