IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The American Legion Post 50 in Dickinson County has launched a new program to assist veterans in need, providing gift cards for food and fuel. This income-based initiative, which aims to help the county’s most vulnerable veterans, is being made possible through funds raised by the legion and its affiliated groups.
Christy Faymonville, a member of American Legion Post 50 and co-chair of the organization’s bingo events, emphasized the importance of giving back to the community’s veterans. “We wanted to give back to our most needy vets,” Faymonville explained. “Our homeless ones, the ones who maybe have kids and could use some extra help. I went to the head of our Dickinson County Veterans Service Office, Denise Formolo, and she said, ‘This is what we need.’”
The program has successfully raised approximately $500 in gift cards, each in $25 increments, to be distributed to veterans in need. Faymonville described the ease of the program: “Veterans can go to Denise’s office, and she can immediately give them some food and fuel for their car if they need to drive around for jobs, interviews, or to get their kids to school. We’re really, really proud of it.”
The gift cards are available at the Veterans Service Office (VSO) located at 2301 Woodward Avenue near the airport in Kingsford. Veterans in need can make an appointment by calling 906-774-2820 or emailing Denise Formolo at dformolo@ovadickinsoncounty.com.
Faymonville also encouraged veterans who are struggling to reach out. “If you are a vet, and you are in need, please reach out to places like the American Legion, VFW, or VSO officers. We are here for you, and there are a lot of programs out there to help you.”
The American Legion Post 50 raises funds primarily through their weekly bingo events, held every Tuesday at 6:00 PM in the bingo hall at the post on River Ave. Faymonville noted that the Legion is always looking for volunteers to help with events like bingo and their upcoming fall fish fries. The Post holds its monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM and welcomes new members.
This new initiative underscores the Post’s commitment to supporting veterans, ensuring that those in need can receive immediate assistance when they need it most.
*Pictured, left to right: Dennis Larson, Jim Richards, Barb Larson, Denise Formolo, Christy Faymonville.
