DIXON, CA (MPG) - When people think of supporting veterans, they often think of giving financial support, not realizing how veterans still serve their fellow citizens through their families, especially their wives and daughters.

The Women's Auxiliary in Dixon, for example, does food drives, Christmas toy collections, hosts fundraising dinners for high school scholarships and raises funds for other needs. They also serve in various administrative capacities to keep the Veterans Memorial Hall doors open.

The organization is open to the mothers, wives, widows, grandmothers, sisters, daughters and granddaughters of veterans and female veterans who are currently serving or who have honorably served in the Armed Forces of the United States, including the National Guard and Reserve components.

Patty Holland signed on 12 years ago after her husband Wayne got signed up for the American Legion. They had been in Los Angeles and moved up here.

"And I got involved," she said. "I like having the Friday night dinners best because we get to see people. A lot of them are really nice people and are very friendly and I get to see them all."

Patti is the one who usually takes your money at the Friday night dinners. She enjoys the camaraderie with the other women in the organization and reports there are about 20 of them.

"When the kids are young, you have other obligations and you're working and doing stuff but when they grow up and go, this gives us something to do instead. When I retired, I got more time."

Patti was one of the first friends Carla Schafer met after moving locally.

"I was new to Dixon and went to the dinners on Friday nights because it was safe. Leah [Marlin] and Pat [Holland] always talked to me," she said. "They invited me to a meeting, and I didn't think I'd like it but, I discovered it was warm and welcoming--and not prim and proper. We had so many projects and it sounded good to be out in public and raising money for a good cause for the veterans." She's been involved for five years now and serves on the Board.

Schafer's Dad was in the Navy and served in Korea.

"He was on a ship and was a mailman and when he got out, he was a mailman in Woodland. When you think of a ship you don't think of anything but war, but every job was important - even getting those letters," she explained. "My favorite activity that we participate in is the Grillin' & Chillin' [downtown street fair] because you get to see everyone there and it's wide open, so you not only meet the local public, you also meet people and veterans from other cities."

The next activity is a 'Drive-thru and Drop-off Food Drive' at the Veterans Memorial Hall for Cornerstone Church Food Pantry. It will be Saturday, November 19, and Saturday, November 26, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1305 North First Street.

If you or your spouse was in the military and are interested in joining American Legion Post 208, call Leah Marlin for more information, at (530) 304-5385 or email [email protected].

Tonight, Friday, November 11, is the annual Veteran's Day Dinner and the menu is barbecue Tri-tip or chicken, broccoli salad, and chili beans. Dinner for a single person is $15 and a couple is $25. There will also be a large raffle with a separate drawing for a half a hog and a 50-inch LED television.