Supporting local soldiers; Comforts from Home benefit

RUMFORD- In recent months there has been an increase in the amount of phone calls and inquiries as to how local people can help local soldiers serving our country in the war-torn Middle East.

Here's your chance. Join the Rumford American Legion Auxiliary (RALA) on February 19 for dinner and live music to help raise funds to support Comforts from Home, a program through the RALA, providing much-needed goods to local soldiers and reminding them that they're being remembered as part of their community.

There will be a spaghetti supper served from 4 to 7 p.m., or till sold out. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children. There will also be a bake sale during the meal.

If you enjoy dancing and great music, stick around after dinner for the live music performed by Fari Enough. Members of The Hooligans and the former One Step Ahead groups are sure to get your legs moving. The cost for the entertainment is $10 per person and will be from 8 p.m. to midnight. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are available in advance at the Rumford Legion.

Throughout the evening there will be a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, and on-going individual basket raffles.

Over the last couple of years, the cost to ship goods to the soldiers has increased to $12.95 per package.

“We want to continue to help our local men and women,” noted Tricia Thurston, president of the RALA. “It's very dear to my heart to make sure our servicemen and women know that we're thinking of them.”

Thurston, herself, served in the Navy from 1978-1982 and then served another four years as an active reservist. “They need to know that people back home care.”

Locals that are currently being supported by Comforts from Home are: Wayne G. Dyment, Jr., Felicia Bell, James LeBlanc, Emery Hogancamp, Gregory Boivin, Jared Holmquist, Michael Belanger, Aaron McCaffrey, Cory Heinzen, Douglas F. Lamarre, Anthony Jordan, Seth S. McPherson, Gregory Benjamin, Peter S. Sydow, Eric Patneaude, Austin Buck, Johnathan S. Walker, Jamie Smith and Todd Sinclair.

If you know any other soldier that is serving and they're not listed, Thurston would like for you to contact her so that they may be added to the list that continues to grow.

If you would like to donate a raffle item to the benefit or are unable to attend and would like to support the Comforts from Home program, send or drop donations off to 184 Congress St., Rumford, Maine 04276, clearly marked “Comforts” or contact Tricia Thurston at 357-3289 or Kelly DeRoche at 357-5530.

Supporting local soldiers; Comforts from Home benefit Photo:

Tricia Thurston and Kelly DeRoche of the Rumford American Legion Auxiliary are gearing up for a dinner and dance benefit to help send Comforts from Home to local soldiers. (Times photo by Cherri Crockett)