American Legion Post 214 in Rossville always helps fellow veterans around the winter holidays, but Post Commander Jack Staples wants to get ahead of the fundraising this year.
That's why he and other post members are organizing the inaugural Sonshine Jubilee, planned for Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their post at 540 Park City Road. The event features gospel music by local musicians such as Willow Creek and the Living Right Quartet, barbecue, refreshments and locally made crafts and goods.
American Legion Post 214 organizes fundraisers including food drives, clothing collections, and cookouts like the one pictured here. The post's newest fundraiser, the Sonshine Jubilee, will have plenty of food and refreshments for attendees, as well.
Entry into the Jubilee is free to the public.
Normally, Staples said, the post starts working toward holiday fundraising around the fall. However, since so many other organizations also start fundraising around that time, he figured it would be wise to start as early as possible.
"Unfortunately, we have a lot of veteran families on the welfare roll, and around Christmas especially, things can get tight," he said.
A major need the post puts money toward each year is providing food for veteran families. Once kids are on Christmas break, Staples said, the ones who relied on a hot meal from school no longer have that available to them for several weeks.
Staples said he's hoping for the jubilee to bring in around $1,000 for the post, and that it will all go toward bettering the lives of veterans in the area. Last year, the post raised over $2,200 through various fundraisers, so this new event could enable assistance for a lot more people.
The needs aren't just around the holidays, he added. Staples recalled hearing of one area veteran who was extremely qualified for a job he'd applied for, but when he went to the interview, his lack of professional attire cost him the job.
"It's the things people take for granted," Staples said. "Three hot meals a day and clothing on our backs."
Staples said he coordinates with the Chattanooga Vet Center and local VA hospitals to put his post in contact with veterans who need help.
Those interested in attending the jubilee can call 423-645-3378 with any additional questions.