VFW grants help underprivileged students

  Recent donations from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6790 and the Ladies Auxiliary will provide vital resources for indigent students in five east Yuma County schools, according to a post official.

   Donations of $1,000 each were presented recently to Antelope Union High School, Wellton Elementary, Mohawk Valley Elementary, Dateland and Hyder Elementary during a breakfast buffet at the Wellton post.

 "The money will help underprivileged children with any resources they need - books, clothing shoes, athletic equipment, whatever the schools think was needed," said Tony Mangine, post district commander.

  The grants will be replenished at the close of the school year to maintain an perpetual fund, Mangine said.

  "It's the first time we've done this at this magnitude," Mangine said. "It's an ongoing effort to assist community-based agencies that we have been constantly involved with."

  The VFW operates its fundraising activities as a nonprofit agency and must be careful how it handles any surplus, Mangine said. Previously, Post 6790 donated to the Wellton Volunteer Fire Department, Tri-Valley Ambulance Service, the Mohawk Little League, the Wellton summer sports program and various other civic organizations.

  Randall O'Donnell, Antelope Union High School principal, said it was very nice of Post 6790 to "have us over breakfast." Accompanying O'Donnell was student council adviser Jeff Peters and student council president Tyler Claar, who accepted the check.

  "It will be a great help to the kids to get football cleats, eyewear and other supplies," O'Donnell said.

  He added that the school would like to conserve the grant to cover as many needs that turn up over the course of the year but it will be applied toward the freshman retreat and any other supplies to help with student activities.

  Post 6790 has helped Antelope in the past by inviting students to participate in its democracy essay competition, with the top honors recipient awarded with a plaque and dinner, as well as providing a number of scholarships.

  "We're really appreciative of the post and ladies' auxiliary for all their support over the years," O'Donnell said.

  Alfredo Luna, principal of Mohawk Elementary School, acknowledged that his school and governing board were also deeply grateful for Post 6790's assistance.

  Carolyn Crawford, representing Wellton Elementary School, Martha Jones of Dateland School and Chris Maynes of Hyder Elementary School were also at the breakfast but unavailable for comment.

  Luna pointed out that last year, Mohawk was one of only seven schools that achieved a highly performing rating for academic state standards. He wants to use part of the grant to purchase school spirit T-shirts for students, designating their academic achievement profile from the state Department of Education. 

  "The ceremony was very nice and we were treated to breakfast," Luna said. "They have a variety of programs to involve the students and the teachers and they have been very supportive over the years.

---
William Roller can be reached at
wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.