American Legion Post 56 reports that its drive to raise $85,000 was at $7,000 as of Thursday.

The appeal for donations began March 1 and runs through April 15.

Post Chaplain David Olson said the post has received touching letters about services the Legion members have given to veterans and letters about the pride sons and daughters have had in their parents.

An example is one letter, which came with a $50 donation, reads: “My father’s funeral was graced by the presence of an honor guard and bugler at his internment provided by the post. My father was proud of his service to his country, his service to his city and his appreciation of the fraternity of veterans reflected in the mission of the American Legion.”

Olson said that, as chaplain, he often visits homes following the deaths of recent veterans from World War II and the Korean War. For one, a World War II vet, “the son and his mother asked if I could visit them at their home to talk about the Legion, his father’s military service and gifting to the current Legion program,” Olson said.

“I was honored to be invited into their home and am looking forward to the visit,” he said.

The veterans of Post 56 are asking the community for $85,000 to go toward paying debt from its mortgage and outstanding vendor bills. Paying these debts will allow the organization to pay its tax debt and, ultimately, stay open. The board also has implemented better accountability measures over their food-and-beverage operations.

Olson said Post 56 earlier this month set up a fund through the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber Foundation. People wishing to donate should send a check to the foundation at 2580 Bridge Ave. with the annotation “Legion Mortgage and Debt Reduction.” The donations are tax-deductible.

American Legion Post 56 has been in existence since 1919 and has been at its present location, 145 N. Broadway Ave., since 1965. Its banquet room is the only one in operation in downtown Albert Lea.