VIENNA — In its final act June 5-6, the American Legion Post 12 donated its final funds to three entities to contribute to the Vienna community.

The Legion Post 12, established in 1937, is disbanding because of declining membership.

Maries County R-1 School, the Historical Society of Maries County and the Maries County Senior Center each received $1,386.61 for their operations.

The school’s fund is for the lunch money program for students who can’t afford to purchase lunch, and the historical society is using the money to fund a building expansion to showcase the county’s agricultural history. The senior center is going to use money for general operations.

Because the post was in Vienna, it chose to give its remaining funds to the Vienna community.

The goal of the post was to build camaraderie among veterans in Vienna, hosting events and playing cards. The group also sent boys to Boys State to learn about government and community involvement.

Adjutant Debra Havens believes giving this money to these recipients is important because aside from Boys State, the Legion didn’t contribute much to the community.

“So this is the final giving back to our community,” she said.

When Havens joined the Legion around 2018, the post was going to close, but she and her sisters took over to keep it running. At the time, there were about 10 members involved, but the past year, that number decreased to four or five. Previously, when there were about 25 members, few would attend because they were in their late 70s and 80s.

While she is sad about the declining involvement, she understands that people now are busy with family commitments such as their children’s sports games.

“It’s sad, but four people can’t continue on,” Havens said.

The building, which is owned by the Thomas R. Coffey Trust, will be the new building for the Maries County Emergency Services Board.

“I think it’s great that at least it’s not sitting there dormant and empty,” Havens said.