Legionnaires host ‘meal-servers’ benefit BBQ

This Lents “Meals on Wheels” barbecue was beneficial as well as tasty …

Many people turn out for a fun fundraiser at an outer East Portland American Legion post – and enjoy a barbecue dinner with all the fixings.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Tucked back near the I-205 Freeway on SE Harney Drive, American Legion Oregon Trail Post 150 isn’t easy to find.

But some 120 folks found their way there on the afternoon of September 24, for a Lents Meals on Wheels barbecue fundraiser.

Calling raffle prize numbers is Lents Meals on Wheels Site Manager Mary Gagnon.

“All the proceeds go to feed hungry, at-risk seniors in the Lents neighborhood,” said Manager Mary Gagnon, between calling raffle numbers in the Post’s great hall. “In addition to being our big fundraiser for the year, it’s also a big end-of-the summer festival for all of our supporters and friends.”

Currently, the Meals On Wheels People’s center provides hot meals served in their dining hall at SE 104^th Avenue and Holgate Boulevard to 35 to 40 people daily. “We also deliver to about 200 homebound seniors each day,” Gagnon told East Portland News.

This volunteer, serving up burger plates, is David Douglas High School sophomore Evan Bedney – who says he volunteers for Meals and Wheels all summer long.

Some of those helping out were associated with the American Legion hall, others were regular volunteers from the Lents Center. “It’s a lovely donation by the Legion, letting us use their facility and promoting the barbeque,” Gagnon said.

Located at the Lents Village Apartments, the Lents Meals on Wheels Center needs volunteers, Gagnon added. “Anyone can make a big difference in the lives of seniors by volunteering a couple hours a week.”

Find out more by visiting their webpage: CLICK HERE to open it.

> On our FRONT PAGE: Volunteer Abby Fellows, a junior at Clackamas Web Academy serves another ice cream sundae at the event.

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