MOUNT VERNON — Although it has only been in existence for a short time the Knox County Marine Corps League has made an impact on the community. This year members of the league took time over two weekends in November to participate in a fund drive to help veterans in distress.
“We know there is a lot of financial distress throughout the county,” said league member Jim Barnett, who helped with the drive. “We went to the (Knox County) Veterans Service Office and asked them if they had a number of veterans’ families, including widows, who needed financial help. We decided to go that route to raise money for these families. The public was very generous and we were able to provide a nice amount for these families.”
The families eligible for the financial help were not limited to families of Marines. Any branch of the service was considered.
“We’ve been going around for about three years now. I was one of the charter members and I have been commandant for three years. I took over for Jim Stamper who passed away,” said Larry Devlin. “We felt that there was a real need in this county for veterans.”
The KCMCL was also able to provide gift cards for five families to use to buy toys and other gifts for their children.
“We have gift cards for Walmart,” Barnett said. “It’s a substantial amount for each family so they can buy toys for their children if they have them. We also have a Christmas dinner for the families in addition to about $500 per family.”
Devlin was very happy with the results of the drive, which raised a little over $2,500.
“All the stores were very helpful with the drive,” Devlin said.
The drive was kicked off with a $250 donation by the Fraternal Order of Police.
The Knox County Marine Corps League meets the third Wednesday of each month at the AMVETS building on Ohio Avenue.
“Our meetings start at 7 p.m. and we have fellowship from 6:30 to 7,” Devlin said. “We are always looking for new members and all Marines are welcome to attend.”
For more information about the KCMCL call Devlin at 397-8362, Ron Bruce at 326-2543 or Sarah Moxley at 393-2956.