I am writing this letter in response to two previous letters in the past few weeks. The first letter was from someone writing that he had received his direct deposit assistance check from the COVID 19 assistance bill. He said that he was not in need, and was returning his check back to the government.

The second letter was from someone saying that it was nice of him to do that, however; it would not be well used by the government, and he could do much better by spending those funds though out the community.

I am writing in search of other local Enumclaw residences that may be in a similar financial situation. I would like to let you know where you can put those funds to a much better use. I am part of the Emumclaw VFW Post 1949, and would like to let you know that Post 1949 is in need of funds. As you may be aware, VFW Post 1949 has only two fund raising Poppy Drives each year, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. Poppy fund drives have usually contributed about $ 10,000,00 each drive. These funds go directly to Veterans and Veteran families that are in need of assistance.

Our last fund raising Poppy drive using collection boxes only, at QFC and Safe-way netted Post 1949 just over $ 1100,00 dollars, not nearly enough. Since COVID 19 we have lost 90 percent of our ability to raise the necessary funds as we are not able to use our post hall to the public for private weddings, birthday, anniversaries and other community gatherings. Normally the post hall is rented out every weekend from May through September. The post is often used to hold memorials and other gatherings as well. In the current situation we have not been able to rent out our hall, and we have no rental income available to us.

If you are able to help, you may your mail your contribution directly to VFW Post 1949 P.O. Box 14 Enumclaw, WA 98022. Or you may call Elbert Reed, our adjutant, at 206-245-4226.

Vincent Fischetti, Post Commander

Enumclaw