American Legion building gets face lift

MOSES LAKE - Members of the American Legion Post 209 do a lot for the people of Moses Lake. They provide a 21-gun salute for fallen service members, they visit veterans in nursing homes and hospitals and they help make the homes of older veterans safe.

The post also has a women's auxiliary group that helps spouses of service members cope with deployment.

And one Moses Lake charity noticed that while American Legion post members were dedicating dozens of hours a week helping others, no one was helping them.

Tammy Huber, a representative from Ruby Jane Charities, said the group noticed that the American Legion post on Broadway Avenue had some signs of wear and tear.

"We asked if we could give them a hand since the building was looking a little tired," said Huber. "Service organizations that dedicate themselves to helping others, sometimes need a helping hand themselves."

Huber said Ruby Jane Charities' goal is to help individuals and organizations who dedicate their time to serving others. The group has sponsored fundraising events to help other organizations raise money, donated fridges to soup kitchens and helped service groups with a variety of other projects.

"Those organizations are the last ones to actually ask for help," she said.

Huber said the goal was to provide a better space for American Legion members to do what they do best - work on helping others.

Huber said Ruby Jane Charities didn't initially plan on giving the building a complete overhaul, but as they got to work at the Moses Lake post, they realized how much needed to be done.

"And as support came through, it was apparent that we could actually do a major remodel of the building," she said. "We realized this could be a wonderful project that could grow and really be a benefit to them."

Huber said the renovations for the American Legion post have been split into two major phases.

The first phase includes painting, repairing carpets, putting up walls to make two new offices, building a new ADA-compliant bathroom and creating a small lounge for meetings and a place for darts and other games.

The first phase is set to be complete in January, she said.

For the second phase, Huber said the entire back part of the building will change. The back portion will be raised in order to take advantage of the lake view, and will be set up to use for banquets and larger meetings.

The back of the building will also have a separate entrance, so guests entering won't have to walk through the bar area of the building.

Huber said she hopes to get phase two underway in February.

"They need more family-friendly space, a safer space and a more pleasant space," said Huber. "They provide funerals at times, bereavement counseling and other services, so they need to have a comfortable place to provide all that." Grant Oberg, of the Moses Lake post, said members are really excited about the renovations.

"When people came here before for our help, they had to go all the way back into a cold, crowded space," he said. "Now with a more accessible office, it will be a lot more comfortable."

Huber said that although Ruby Jane Charities is sponsoring the remodel, it took a lot of community support to get the project underway.

Several businesses, individuals and even church groups have donated materials and labor to the project over the past few months, she said. Huber said the need for additional support is still there, as the group nears the start of phase two projects.

"It's important to let them know of our gratitude for the great gift they have given us by serving our country, and what they continue to do to serve our country and community," said Huber.

To find out more about how to help Ruby Jane Charities and support the American Legion post remodel, call 509-750-4974.