Local WHS graduate helps Windham Veterans Center to launch fundraising campaign

The Windham Veterans Centers serves as the home to the American Legion, Field-Allen Post 148 and VFW Post 10643. Currently, the center is experiencing very difficult times. Their primary revenue source is through the rental of the property. However, all events have been halted since the end of February due to the COVID-19 social distancing measures. Rentals are often used by the public for birthday and anniversary celebrations, business meetings as well as Rotary and Chamber of Commerce events.

The Veterans Center is also used as a source of support and social connection for the 15% plus

veterans in the greater Windham, Raymond and Standish communities (and beyond). Wednesday coffee hours and women lunches are a few ways the center plays an important part in veterans’ lives.

Since no revenue is coming in and their budget is very tight, they are in need of financial support to continue to pay for ongoing overhead costs and to keep the doors open once the social distancing measures have been lifted.

As a result, a Go Fund Me site has been set up by a 2012 Windham High School graduate and 2017 UMaine alumna, Greg Morrison in order to help local veterans in need. Interested people and businesses can donate via the Windham Veterans Facebook page where they can mail a check or hit the link to their GoFundMe site.

“We appreciate Greg stepping up and helping us through this time,” stated Mel Greenier, Windham Veterans Association Secretary and Treasurer. “The hall is used by Field-Allen Post 148 five times a year with our Bean Suppers and St. Patrick's Day dinner, all fund raisers to support American Legion programs and area youth programs. The Windham Veterans Association conducts four bean suppers to help support their income used to pay the bills. So far, we have had to cancel two bean suppers and our St. Patrick's supper. The hall is available for rental, by the hour, 1/2 days and whole days. Our rental rates are affordable, and we discount for non-profits and Post members, both American Legion and VFW. To rent the space once social distancing measures have been lifted, anyone can reach out to the rental manager, Dave Langway at 939-0892.

Greenier said he realizes that many of the local businesses are suffering during these very dark days of spring. “We do not want to be a burden on our business neighbors and friends and as a result, we do appreciate Greg Morrison's help. We appreciate his young ideas and thinking outside the box fundraising approach. We also appreciate the Windham Eagle newspaper for collaborating with Greg.”

Please see PAGES TO BE DETERMINED, in this edition of The Windham Eagle newspaper for a list of businesses and individuals who have contributed to this fundraising effort. Due to their help and financial donations, a total amount of #HOW MANY DOLLARS will be contributed to the Windham Veterans Center GoFundMe account set up by Morrison. A big thank you to Morrison and to all who have donated financially.

Just as importantly, please support the local businesses who have donated. They, along with the rest of the Greater Lakes Region area, appreciate our veterans for their service and their continuing efforts to be a source of contact for all veterans in the Sebago Lake Region community.