Members of Col. Jacob Morgan American Legion Post 537 in Morgantown recently took part in a community service project, and they have planned several springtime activities.

The ladies auxiliary recently donated 150 backpacks full of toiletries and snacks to members of the Pennsylvania National Guard who are stationed in Texas. Legion member Dave Jakubek from VJ Concrete donated the backpacks that are inscribed with the phrase, "Thank You for Your Service."

"Melissa Seifert, (auxiliary) president, researched and found out who to send the packages to," explained Linda Jacobs, post historian. "Each backpack included toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant and some goodies, like cookies and bags of popcorn, and things they may enjoy."

"We had so much extra stuff that we piled that into another box, so there were more than just the backpacks," she added.

Donations were provided by Hollywood Casino, Reading Orthodontic Group and Green Valley Dental. Going Postal in Morgantown helped with the cost of shipping the boxes to the National Guard.

One of the most popular community events hosted by the post are its chicken barbecues. The next one will be held the day before Easter Sunday on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. until sold out. The meal includes half of a barbecued chicken, sides and a beverage. The ladies auxiliary will also hold a flower sale starting at 11 a.m.

Another chicken barbecue meal will be available on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. until sold out. The auxiliary will sell hanging baskets and potted plants suitable for Mother's Day gift-giving on the following day.

The Legion is also planning a spaghetti dinner that will be served at Victor Emmanuel, 311 Hazel St., Reading, on Wednesday, April 15, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Takeouts will be available. The meal will include spaghetti and meatballs, bread and butter and a salad. The Legion will receive a portion of the costs of the meal.

"It's private club, but it will be open to the public that day," noted Jacobs. "Our people will host and (Victor Emmanuel) will prepare the food. If you want, you can buy pizza to to eat there or to-go and cannoli."

This is the second time the spaghetti dinner was held at the location. "It went very well last; we sold out," Jacobs noted. Tickets are currently on sale at the post and will also be sold at the door while supplies last.

American Legion Post 537 is located at 4499 N. Twin Valley Road, Morgantown. It is a veterans organization, but memberships are also available to others.

"We have veterans, which are called the Legionnaires, and we have people that have no association with a veteran, which are the social members," explained Jacobs. The post also includes the Sons of American Legion, the ladies auxiliary and the American Legion Riders motorcycle group. To learn eligibility requirements about the various memberships, visit http://www.legionpost537.com and select "Membership."

For more information about the post, call 610-286-5920, visit the aforementioned website or search for "Col. Jacob Morgan American Legion Post 537" on Facebook.