American Legion Post 56 reports that its drive to raise $85,000 was at $18,140 as of Friday.

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

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.

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.

Post Cmdr. Roger Bakken said 841 members have paid their dues, which leaves about 80 members who still need to pay up. He said that would help the debt situation, too.

Bakken said all veterans men or women are eligible to come to the club, even if they are not a Legion member.

“We all served our country it just happened to be at different dates,” he said.

American Legion Post 56 has been in existence since 1919 and has been at its present location, 145 N. Broadway Ave., since 1965.