American Legion Auxiliary Unit 46 has been busy. The group hosted several concessions at the Marshalltown Fairgrounds during craft shows. The proceeds are returned to veterans and the community. Several donations were made to the Iowa Veterans Home, one to support the Little League Baseball Field Restoration project. An ALA banner will be proudly represented on the fence at the restored ballfield.

Second, the Unit purchased four roasters to support facility-wide events and family functions at IVH. Third, unfortunately the Unit lost two members, donations were sent to IVH in memory of Twila Dack and Alice Groff. In addition, Birthday cards were sent to IVH residents for the year. In support of the community, monetary donations were made to the Marshalltown Police and Sheriff Department K-9 units. A donation to the Four Chaplains was sent. Unit 46 contributed to the fundraising efforts by donating to the Riverside Cemetery. The unit has an approved plaque placed on the newly restored fence. Other donations that were disbursed were contributions to the Past Commanders Trust Fund, Freedom Rock Maintenance Fund, ALA Department of Iowa President Project and the Third District President project.

The Third District ALA Spring conference was held at IVH in Marshalltown, registration was in the Whitehill Auditorium. The Legion Family hosted a hospitality night at the Legion Post 46. Members helped man games and gave prizes to veterans at the IVH Spring Carnival. ALA also host BINGOs on the third Friday of each month except July and December. Card party was a success. The card party that had been canceled for the past couple years. Barb Blake did a good job of keeping records of those attending and accounting for all the door prizes. A patriotic quilt raffle was donated by member Marvis Drew from the Central Iowa Quilt Sew-ciety was won by Colene Vry.

The new marketing ALA logo was incorporated on the group’s Facebook page. A meeting was held in April at IVH for residents who are interested in joining the Unit. Quarterly meetings will be held at IVH. Unit members have donated several hours assisting the new Post 739 at IVH with concessions during Little League Baseball tournaments. Members had a fun time learning how to make Poppies at a Poppy making class at IVH. We have some creative members who decorated the Doo Dahs Diner with a Poppy display. In May Poppies were distributed at Walmart, Hy-Vee, Theisens and Fareway. The unit was honored at the IVH’s Volunteer Luncheon and also received the Governor’s award in June.

A future trip to the Sullivan Brothers Museum in Waterloo has been discussed. For Memorial Day we held a luncheon at the Post for the Combined Honor Guard who participated in multiple events. Cookies were supplied for the Quilt of Valor presentation that was also held that day. The unit will continue to purchase and supply cookies to the Hospice Home.

Individual USA Flags will be purchased for disbursed at the Oktemberfest Parade. Area ALAs are encouraged to walk or ride on the ALA float. Girls State girls were selected. Barb Blake, Linda Blake, Debra Miller and Laurel Degelau attended the State Convention.

Installation of officers was held in July. New officers are same as the past year with President: Deb Miller, V-President; Tonya Warnell/Barb Blake, Treasurer: Laurel Degelau, Secretary: Marvis Drew, Chaplain: Dorothy Hellberg Sargent of Arms: Linda Fuller, Marcella Stewart, Kellie Allen, Ginger McCready. Dues will increase to $35 collections are ongoing. Jr. memberships are $5 for those under 18.

Unit Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesdays.

People having a family member (grandparent, sibling, spouse, child) that served are eligible to become an ALA member.