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Hansen House

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Darlene Watkin

Published: February 2, 2008

In these hard times it is great to see that the human spirit is still alive and well. Upon hearing that the Hansen House would now be for teenage girls that were hard to place, the Avon Park American Legion Auxiliary decided to start a fundraiser and drive to get organizations to re-do the bedrooms to be suitable for young ladies and make them feel at home.

First we had a fundraiser dinner, then a dinner theater bus trip and then watched as many of our good members and friends stepped forward with donations and physical help. We then contacted many churches and service groups hoping they would also adopt a girl's bedroom or bath.

Last Wednesday, the following wonderful people came together to give a whole day of hard work: Jean Benedict, Jim Heber, Jim Maynard, Barry Salton, Judy Chrysanthis, Dave and Darlene Watkin, Midge and Charlie Barksdale, Anne Kirwan, Joyce Martin, Bill and Betty Picard and Deanne McGowan. Vivian Hutchison gave each girl a Valentine stuffed anivmal for their new room. Sarah Hogg, Mary , Lake Mary Marks, Jackie Antioneta, Carol Huffman and Darlene bought the girls new beds in a bag .

The Legionaires gave $200, the Ladies Auxiliary nearly $1,000 and our sisters in the 40/8 Cabane 899 donated $300 for new window coverings and movies. The day started out to adopt one bedroom and one bath but before we finished we had done three bedrooms and three baths, along with new pictures in the living room and a quick cleanup of the kitchen. Wow, what a group.

The average age was 70 with one of us at 81, so it shows you we old timers still got it! Since our great showing three more rooms have been adopted and we can still use your help. Gift cards for the girls are nice to buy needed items as they have no income. Call Darlene Watkin Children and Youth chairman of Unit 69 at 314-9107 if you wish to help.

It sure feels great.

Darlene Watkin American Legion Post 69
Avon Park

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