Robert H. Hoke Post 272

Robert H. Hoke, Post 272

                    Linglestown American Legion                    

505 North Mountain Road

Linglestown, PA  17112

(717) 545-6721

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For Immediate Release

Dedication of Blessing Box built by 12-year old Cadette Girl Scout/Junior ALA member.

Linglestown, PA - On Wednesday, November 11, 2020 Veterans Day, immediately following the 11:00 “National Salute to Veterans” at the American Legion Post 272, 505 N. Mountain Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17112, members of the Linglestown American Legion will dedicate the AL Blessing Box. Gabrielle Gaiski, a 12-year old Cadette Girl Scout and a junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 272, Linglestown, PA., will also be honored for her dedication of her time, energy and work spent designing and building this Blessing Box during the spring of 2020.

Gabrielle was inspired to build a Blessing Box due to the emotional impact she experienced during the COVID 19 Pandemic. She was sad that people in the community were not able to safely get food and other basic living items. Gabrielle watched news reports showing that people were buying more than needed, leaving nothing for others who left the safety of there home only to find empty shelves at the grocery stores. She wanted to help people throughout the community survive the pandemic and after.

Gabrielle had already decided to Rehabilitate Retired Racehorses to help Veterans suffering with PTSD and TBI for her Girl Scout Silver Award. However, after researching Blessing Boxes she changed her project to building a Blessing Box. A blessing Box would be available not just for veterans but for the everyone in the community. All she needed to do was to find a location to place the Blessing Box. She sent a letter to the Commander of American Legion Post 272 asking permission to place a Blessing Box on their grounds, which was approved.

Gabrielle spent 200+ hours from start to finish on her Blessing Box. She had the support of her family, friends, and neighbors during her efforts. On Friday, May 22, 2020 her Blessing Box was available to the community, “TAKE WHAT YOU NEED, LEAVE WHAT YOU CAN”. Gabrielle continues to maintain and monitor the Blessing Box. She has also received her Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive as a Cadette Girl Scout.

Gabrielle holds a great appreciation of the sacrifice’s that all veteran’s have made while serving in the Armed Forces. She has many family members who have served in the Armed Forces dating back to WWll. For this ceremony to take place on Veteran’s Day could not be more appropriate or pleasing for Gabrielle.

 

 

For more information please contact Sharon Lynott at cell phone: 717-418-8793, email: ala272.secry@gmail.com.