By Maggie LaNoue – Contributing Writer – December 19, 2025
Each December, the American Legion Patrick Leo Hanlon Post 55 in Albion quietly transforms into a hub of holiday activity, where volunteers work long hours to make sure local children wake up to gifts on Christmas morning.
While Toys for Tots is a nationwide program organized by the U.S. Marine Corps, local Legion members have filled an important gap in Calhoun County for the past 15 years. The Marine Corps Toys for Tots effort primarily serves the western portion of the county. American Legion Post 55 stepped in to organize collections and distribution for the rest — ensuring families throughout the area are included.
The work begins in November, when volunteers place dozens of toy collection boxes throughout the community. Those same volunteers return regularly to pick up donations, moving toys from businesses and organizations back to the Legion hall. The effort requires careful coordination and many hours of lifting, loading, and sorting — work done largely out of public view.
Legion members Mike Yost, Rusty Smith, Cal Bates, and Chris Crandall handled much of the placement and pickup of toy donation boxes across the community, returning regularly to collect contributions and deliver them to the Legion hall. Local businesses also played a role, including Dickerson Music Co., which hosted a Toys for Tots collection site in its downtown Albion storefront as the longtime business marked its 70th year.
Once the toys arrive at the Legion, another group of volunteers takes over. During the week leading up to distribution, helpers worked long days — often 12 hours at a time — sorting toys by age group, organizing items into categories, and preparing individual bags for each child. Tables filled the hall, holding games, dolls, action figures, art supplies, warm hats and gloves, and stuffed animals.
Larger items, including bicycles, were set aside and handled separately. Rather than first-come, first-served, bicycles were raffled so every child had an equal opportunity to receive one.
Throughout the process, volunteers refer to themselves — and to parents and guardians — as “elves,” recognizing that many people play a role in making the season special. Families were able to pick up toys early so gifts could be wrapped and ready for Christmas morning.
This year, approximately 650 children will receive toys through the Albion-based effort.
Distribution took place over two days, about two weeks before Christmas. Families arrived by appointment to pick up their prepared bags. Children were often invited to select an additional item while they waited, adding a small moment of choice and excitement to the process.
Santa Claus made appearances during distribution days, greeting families and posing for photos. At times, Santa could be seen waiting patiently near a decorated Christmas tree, looking out the window toward the frozen Kalamazoo River as volunteers continued their work nearby.
Extra stuffed animals not distributed during the event will be donated to local law enforcement agencies, where they can be used to comfort children during crisis situations.
“We wanted to be sure that every child was taken care of,” said Al Smith, commander of American Legion Post 55.
Smith’s involvement reflects a broader commitment to service. In addition to leading the local Legion post, he volunteers regularly with veterans’ programs beyond Albion, including assisting with bingo at the VA hospital in Battle Creek. He also serves as historian for American Legion District 3, which covers five counties: Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Hillsdale, Eaton, and Branch. A former Albion City Council member, Smith continues to be active in community efforts focused on veterans and families.
The Toys for Tots project depends on many kinds of volunteers. Some focus on logistics — placing and collecting donation boxes. Others spend long days sorting and packaging gifts. Additional helpers assist with deliveries and distribution, guiding families through the process. Just as essential are the volunteers who keep everyone fed, preparing meals and refreshments during the busiest days so workers can stay focused and energized.
Carol Smith, who helped coordinate volunteers during the sorting and distribution week, said the generosity she sees each year continues to stand out.
“I’ve never lived in such a generous community,” she said.
Toys for Tots is only one part of the American Legion’s year-round presence in Albion. Post 55 has approximately 120 members, with about 25 serving as the most active organizers. Members’ dues help maintain the building and utilities, and the hall is available for community events.
The Legion organizes Albion’s annual Memorial Day parade, which traditionally proceeds from downtown to Riverside Cemetery and includes a military salute overlooking the river. The post also hosts pancake brunches most months, opens its building as a cooling station during Independence Day festivities on July 3, and holds a pig roast fundraiser.
Each June, Legion members participate in the “22 a Day” awareness effort, placing white crosses at Riverside Cemetery to honor veterans lost to suicide and to raise awareness about mental health challenges faced by veterans. The Legion also works with Boy Scouts to place flags on veterans’ graves ahead of Memorial Day.
Earlier this month, Post 55 hosted a Quilts of Valor presentation honoring five of its oldest and longest-serving members: Paul Newman, a World War II veteran; and Dr. Moses Muzquiz Jr., MD, a Korean War veteran and cardiologist from Jackson, along with Joe Zblewski, Gary Landenberger, and Norman “Bud” Fox, all Korean War veterans. The Dec. 5 ceremony brought members together for an evening of fellowship and reflection, with each veteran receiving a handmade quilt in recognition of service when duty called.
As the holiday season winds down, the tables are cleared and the hall returns to its normal routine. But the work done inside the American Legion Post 55 leaves a lasting impact — one felt in homes across Albion and surrounding communities when children open their gifts on Christmas morning.
