Legion to ‘dress up’ post with foundation funds

Haddonfield American Legion Post 38 received a check for $7,500 from the Haddonfield Foundation on April 13, a first from the latter to the post.

Legion Comdr. Rodney Thomas said the money will be used to improve the post’s appearance.

“That’s what the grant is for, replace the carpet, dress it up a little bit, make it more attractive,” he explained. “As I told them, we want to have movie night, have a bigger television, sound bars there.”

Thomas jokingly suggested a popcorn machine.

The Haddonfield Foundation’s grants chair, Charlene Creed, noted that the upgrades could make the post desirable for use by other organizations, including many nonprofits in town that don’t have their own meeting places.

The foundation – started in 1983 – has two stipulations for the money it donates: that a nonprofit is located in the borough and that the grant be used only for capital improvements or an event, not operating expenses.

According to Creed, the foundation has had an influence on the community.

“I would say the impact is very strong,” she pointed out. “We’re a younger board, which is great, because we have new ideas come in. Another member is from the board of ed, so we’re sort of starting to get more and more of a presence … “We’ve given money in many different ways. To help fix old buildings, to sponsor events.

“It’s great.”

Foundation funds come from private donors who want to improve parts of the borough. According to its website, the organization has provided funds to more than 100 local grassroots organizations and projects to enhance “quality of life.”

Joseph Murphy, a trustee emeritus with the foundation who has a connection to the American Legion through his parents, appreciates Post 38’s efforts to hold community events at the First Baptist Church of Haddonfield.

“Both my parents were veterans,” he recalled. “And they both had their social life where they lived at the local Legion. So I’ve a natural connection with them. And then to see this, moving (the post) from basically just a veterans club to a community-oriented organization, it’s a great thing … “

Murphy said he’ll suggest the foundation have one of its quarterly board meetings at the post.

Creed observed how the foundation and the Legion post have joined forces to aid the community.

“For the legion, again we’re very proud to support the work that they do,” she stated. “Their community outreach affects not only the veterans … but their families and the neighbors that support that work. As far as the foundation goes, it’s very gratifying to work with, because we do have the opportunity to forward the missions of nonprofits who otherwise may not be able to achieve what they set out to do.”