GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — An American Legion post in Grand Rapids is asking the community for help in repairing what they’ve called home since 1950.
“We need a lot of repairs here. We need so many repairs,” Robert Hamilton, a member of the American Legion Post 459. said.
Hamilton has been a member at the post located on Michigan Street for 21 years. The Vietnam veteran is one of the bartenders there and said it’s a place for him to socialize, get to know people and help the community. However, now they need the community’s help.
“It’s a meeting place and it’s a social place and it’s a place where we make things happen,” Hamilton said.
One of the biggest problems is the two dividers that they use for meetings. It takes three or four people to move them, and it damages their carpet. They also need to repair the signs outside, siding, carpeting, electrical, plumbing and update the lighting and security.
Margo Forrester, the auxiliary president and chairman of Operation Post 459, said in total, the repairs could cost more than $150,000. They hope that fixing these problems will bring new members in.
“I think if you want people to come in, most people would prefer a little nicer environment,” Forrester said.
From October 30 to November 9, the post is having a silent auction. The building will be open to the public, where you can come and bid on items like a $250 gift card to Firekeeper’s Casino Hotel and gift baskets. You can check the post’s Facebook page for more information on the auction and prizes here and visit its website to donate.