The American Legion Leo Carey Post 56 is hoping to give members of the Albert Lea unit of the Minnesota National Guard a Christmas to remember, but it needs your help.

Post 56 is asking that 20 local businesses donate $50 each to help give local soldiers and their families a Christmas to remember, in case members of the Albert Lea unit are deployed during the next year.

“We’re trying to give the National Guard guys and their families a day together,” said Legion Manager Todd Utpadel. “It’s a way for us to say thank you.”

The Legion is hosting a party honoring National Guard members on Saturday, Dec. 4. It will include children’s time from 1 to 3 p.m. with a visit from Santa and kid’s movies.

Each guard member and a guest is then invited to attend social hour at 6 followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

Utpadel said Lori Mullenbach will provide music and karaoke after dinner.

“We’ve got a party planned, but if we can get more money, that raises the quality of the party,” said Utpadel. “It could pay for decorations, special treats for the kids, things like that.”

He said the party is being funded through donations and support the Legion gets from pull tabs.

According to Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Dahlen, while there is a possibility that members of the Albert Lea unit could deploy in 2011, the unit has not yet received the mobilization order.

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Kevin Olson of the Minnesota National Guard said that the Albert Lea unit is one of 42 units across the state currently “on alert” for a possible future deployment. The deployment is part of Operation New Dawn, which is the name of the U.S. drawdown phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Olson expects the announcement specifying which units will be deployed to come in early 2011.

All sponsors will be recognized at the party. Any business or individual interested in making a contribution should contact the American Legion Post 56 at 507-373-7993.