By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN –American Legion Riders Chapter 8’s gift of love for its “adopted” veterans in Sussex County nursing homes has received another large mini boost.

About $15,000 in ticket sales were generated over the past year in a minibike raffle that culminated on Veterans Day with the drawing at the Marvel Carriage Museum’s Barrel Barn.

“Normally, we have that raffle barrel, but we sold so many tickets …they wouldn’t fit,” said Peggy Parkinson, who wears many hats with Chapter 8 including activities director.

A ticket purchased by Clayton Watson of Annapolis, Maryland was the winner drawn from a huge plastic bag by American Legion Department of Delaware Commander Dwight Lacey. Among those on hand was American Legion Post 8 Commander Bill Lawson and guests from other Legion Riders chapters.

Every dollar raised goes toward Chapter 8’s veteran adoption program.

Personalized gift packages, based on clothing size and special dietary needs, are presented to veterans in four nursing homes – one in Delmar and Georgetown and two in Millsboro - six times during the year in conjunction with Valentine’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, See You in September, and Veterans Day.

Gifts typically include snacks, pajamas/clothing, books and other necessities. This year, each Veterans Day gift bundle included a handcrafted keepsake box, sanded, stained, and personalized with the veteran’s branch of service emblem and initials.

Steve Kellam, Department Commander for Legion Riders in Delaware, applauded Chapter 8’s ongoing commitment supporting veterans.

“This chapter is one of the best in the state in doing what they do. They raised a lot of money for veterans,” Mr. Kellam said. “I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

This year’s raffle prize was a World War II inspired minibike, bearing Army colors and design scheme.

Legion Riders Chapter 8 Director Jim Parkinson spoke with Mr. Watson Friday to make rendezvous accommodations for his prize pickup, possibly sometime around Thanksgiving.

While unofficial at present, the next minibike raffle may feature a Back the Blue/police theme.

 Staff writer Glenn Rolfe can be reached at grolfe@iniusa.org. Follow @glennrolfeBTBN on Twitter.