SILOAM SPRINGS — Siloam Springs Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1974 will host a chili dinner Oct. 24 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Donations accepted from patrons of the local post’s fundraiser will go toward roof repair and other construction work on the building at 1054 S. Lincoln St.

“We are requesting donations for the chili but this is really more for people to get to know us at the post and see what we do here,” said Steve Milbourn, Siloam Springs post commander. “The building is in disarray. It hasn’t been kept up and we need some help from the community.”

Over the past couple of weeks, more than 35 businesses have received packets including photos detailing the post’s disrepair and letters requesting financial help for the VFW building.

“The building needs a new ceiling; it needs a new roof,” Milbourn said. “We found out this week that the gas line is broken so we don’t have any heat.”

Along with heaping bowls of chili, visitors to the VFW will be offered beverages and dessert.

They will also have the opportunity to view the building and learn about the activities that the local chapter is involved in throughout the year.

“We want to let the public know that we don’t just serve veterans,” Milbourn said. “While our primary target may be veterans, our goal is to help anyone and everyone who needs it.”

Among other outreach programs, VFW posts across the country, including Post 1974, raise money for scholarships, provide smoke detectors and provide food baskets for the needy each year.

For more information about the upcoming chili dinner, to find out how to help or to join the group, call 524-5234 or 427-9307.

News, Pages 1 on 10/14/2009

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