Bay Legion launches annual 'Gifts for Yanks' project

Bay Legionnaire Doug Mangan displays the collection jars that will be placed in select businesses in Bay Village and Westlake. All contributions will be used for veterans programs in Ohio. Photo by Jim Potter

The Bay Village American Legion Post #385 has begun their annual collection of donations for the statewide program, “Gifts for Yanks.” This effort is part of a larger drive of the Ohio American Legion that for over 65 years has pooled funds from local posts to maximize the impact of local gifts providing activities and gifts for veterans in Ohio’s state hospitals, VA medical centers, outpatient clinics and the Ohio Veterans Homes in Sandusky and Georgetown. 

The program collects monies throughout the community and forwards it to fund Christmas presents for veterans in hospitals and veterans homes. Additionally, the Bay Village Post uses some of the funds to provide prizes at the Wade Park Veterans Hospital when they conduct Friday Night Bingo Nights with the patients.

“The effort is not limited to members of the Legion,” stated Commander Stan Zeager. “We welcome contributions from individuals and businesses to help finance the statewide program costing annually $300,000."

Checks may be made payable to "Gifts for Yanks" and sent to local chairman, Doug Mangan, c/o American Legion Post #385, P.O. Box 40503, Bay Village, OH 44140. Collection jars are also available at various merchants in Bay Village and Westlake.