Sunday, November 8, 2026
MANSON — Manson American Legion Wilkinson-Beeman Post 108 contributed $4,000 to six organizations serving veterans, seniors and families throughout the Lake Chelan Valley in 2026, continuing its annual community giving program.
The donations, presented between Oct. 19 and Nov. 5, supported Tender Loving Care, Lake Chelan Health Guild B, the Manson Volunteer Firefighters Association, Lake Chelan Food Bank, Chelan Valley Community Nurse and the Quilts of Valor Foundation's Chelan Group.
The contributions are part of the post's annual charitable giving program, which supports local organizations alongside its primary mission of serving veterans.
The largest contributions, $1,000 each, went to the Manson Volunteer Firefighters Association's Season of Hope program, Lake Chelan Food Bank and Chelan Valley Community Nurse.
On Oct. 23, Legion members Jim Taylor and Craig Pittson presented $1,000 to Manson Volunteer Firefighters Association President Stefan Rehnfeldt for the Season of Hope program. The donation marked the sixth consecutive year the Legion has supported the holiday assistance effort.
The program provides gift cards, emergency heating assistance, groceries and other household necessities to families experiencing financial hardship during the winter months.
“We thank the Manson American Legion for their continued support of Season of Hope,” said Rehnfeldt. “This gift will make a huge difference in 2026. In 2025, Season of Hope helped make the holidays brighter for more than 100 local families.”
Rehnfeldt became association president in August and leads an organization of 42 volunteer firefighters serving the Manson area.
The Legion also donated $1,000 to the Lake Chelan Food Bank on Oct. 24, marking its fourth consecutive year supporting the organization.
Legion member George Rohrich, who also volunteers at the food bank, presented the contribution to Food Bank Director Richard Springer.
According to Springer, the food bank served 10,739 families in 2025. The organization provides food assistance to residents throughout the Lake Chelan Valley and allows clients to select groceries based on their household needs.
On Oct. 30, Legion Sergeant-at-Arms Craig Pittson presented $1,000 to Chelan Valley Community Nurse representatives, including Program Administrator Sherry Palmiter, Community Nurse Suzie Zimmer, Board Secretary Beth Felker and board member Bill Cagle.
The program provides free nursing services to older adults, including home visits, medication management, health screenings, wellness education and referrals to community resources.
During the first nine months of 2026, Chelan Valley Community Nurse completed 245 home visits, handled 1,035 telephone calls and provided 110 medication setups.
Palmiter, who became program administrator in April, thanked the Legion for its contribution.
“On behalf of our staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt thanks,” she said. “Your generosity strengthens our mission and helps us better serve our community.”
The Legion's other contributions included $500 to Tender Loving Care, a nonprofit organization providing free assistance to vulnerable seniors in the Chelan Valley.
Assistant Vice Commander Marie Cannon presented the donation Oct. 19 to TLC Board President Sharon Patonai.
Founded in 2017, TLC became an independent nonprofit in 2024. The organization is undergoing leadership changes following the retirement of founding board member Claudia Swenson and the departure of longtime Executive Director Sandy Zimchek from her daily responsibilities.
Zimchek will continue volunteering with the organization. Brandy Strode has been selected as the new program coordinator.
On Oct. 21, Pittson presented a contribution to Lake Chelan Health Guild B President Mary Lou Schoolcraft at Lake Chelan Health.
The guild is raising money to support implementation of the Epic/MyChart electronic medical record system at the hospital. The system allows patients to access medical records, review test results and communicate with healthcare providers online.
The amount of the Legion's contribution to Guild B was not specified in the information provided by the post.
The final reported donation was presented Nov. 5, when Legion Vice Commander Brian Strausbaugh contributed $325 to the Quilts of Valor Foundation's Chelan Group.
The donation marked the fourth consecutive year the Legion has supported the group, which creates and presents handmade quilts to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
The Chelan Group, established in April 2023, has 16 members and has presented 50 quilts to local veterans, including 25 during the past year.
"We would like to thank the Manson American Legion for their support and generous donation," said Group Leader Sue Freden. "We look forward to working with the American Legion in the coming year to identify veterans who would be honored with these special quilts."
The contribution will help purchase fabric and other materials for future quilts.
In addition to its financial contributions, Post 108 members volunteer throughout the year at veterans' observances, youth activities, school programs and community events.
The post's activities are guided by the American Legion's four pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth.
Post 108 meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at the Manson Parks Building.
Norm Manly contributed to this report.
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