Albert Lea Unit 56 of the American Legion Auxiliary met on Oct. 6.

President Pat Johannsen opened the meeting.

The colors were presented by Isy Lee and Janet Scherb.

Special guests were Girls Staters, Whitney Walker and Janet Lawler, who spoke on their experience.

Joyce Rhody presented a flag which had been flown in Iraq. Her granddaughter sent it as a thank you for boxes sent by Unit 56 to her group stationed there.

Rhody also spoke about community activities planned regarding domestic violence.

Karen Cibert reminded members to save pop tabs, milk caps and Campbells Soup labels.

The unit has canceled its October salad luncheon because of concern about the flu. Members will still be calling for donations as this is a semi-annual fundraiser.

Donations were given to Forgotten Children’s Fund, which is for foster children’s special needs; The Home School Fund, which provides Christmas gifts at the Red Wing correctional facility; gift shop, which provides all hospitalized veterans with gifts for their family; and dollar bill shower which gives each veteran a card and $5 at the 11 VA Hospitals and homes.

Music chairwoman Lucy Grippentrog had the group sing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.”

The meeting closed with the singing of “God Bless America.”

Lunch was served by Angie Larson.

The next meeting will be Nov. 4.

Remember Nov. 11. This year will begin with a breakfast at the club followed by a parade to the courthouse and the program.