ANSONIA – Ansonia American Legion Post 353 continued its annual tradition of giving back in a major way, hosting its community donation night on December 1 with pizza, soft drinks, and the presentation of charitable contributions to a wide range of local organizations.
Each year, Post 353 donates thousands of dollars to community programs, but Commander Jennifer Anthony said this year marks the post’s largest giving total yet.
“I love that we give this money back to the community because it is used in ways to better people’s lives,” Anthony said. “From children to police, everything that will be purchased will enrich, educate, or save lives.”
Anthony noted the post has already surpassed last year’s giving total.
“We are close to giving away over $80,000 to the community,” she added. “Just think — only five short years ago we gave back $19,000, and with the support we have had, we have been able to quadruple that amount. Everyone benefits. It makes me feel very grateful, and I hope more veterans and their eligible family members choose to join us — whether as a Legion member, Son, Auxiliary member, or Legion Rider.”
Donations Presented at the December 1 Meeting
Ansonia Schools & Academic Programs
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Pep band stage: $540.43 requested by Ansonia Superintendent BJ Burgette.
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Indoor throwing weights (Track & Field): $1,698.79 requested by Connor Stachler.
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Digital cameras (Photography class): Two cameras at $650 each.
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3-D printer replacement: $619 for the school’s 3-D printing class.
Youth Sports & Activities
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Ansonia Varsity & Jr. High Cheerleading: $1,134 requested by Ericka Kramer.
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Ansonia Cheerleading program receives donation from Ansonia American Legion. (Gaylen Blosser photo) -
Ansonia Tiger Cub Cheerleaders: $500 donated.
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Kierra Reichert Pink Out donation: Post pledged $50 per touchdown during October’s Pink Out, totaling $650; later rounded up to $1,000 for her cancer treatment.
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Ansonia Football:
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$25 per regular-season touchdown (56 touchdowns)
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$50 per playoff touchdown
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Total: $1,450
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Post 353 also purchased an endzone camera for the team at a cost of $5,000.
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Ansonia Superitendent PJ Burgett (Center R) and Ansonia Athletic Director Clay Georg (Center L) receive donations for Ansonia Schools from Ansonia American Legion Post 353. (Gaylen Blosser photo) -
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Mississinawa Football:
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$25 per regular-season touchdown (30 touchdowns)
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Total: $750
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Baseball scoreboard: $5,000 for a new Ansonia baseball scoreboard.
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Ansonia High School Band: $5,000 for the purchase of a bass trombone.
Youth Organizations
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Girl Scout Troop 3077: $500 for helping at the Veterans Day Bean Supper.
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Girl Scout Troop 3210: $500 donated.
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Ansonia Post 353 makes donation to Ansonia Girl Scout Troup 3210. (Gaylen Blosser photo)
First Responders & Public Safety
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Ansonia Fire Department: $2,500
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Ansonia Rescue: $2,500
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Rossburg Fire Department: $2,500
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Ansonia Police Department: $3,700 toward the purchase of new firearms.
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Ansonia Police Department receives donation from Ansonia American Legion Post 353. (Gaylen Blosser photo)
Post 353 closed the evening by thanking all attendees for helping make the event — and the organization’s mission of community support — possible.
