Explorer Post 522 was the recipient of the American Legion Riders Post 123’s generosity Monday afternoon.

The American Legion Riders made a donation at the police department as part of their efforts as a non-profit organization, giving the Explorer Post at the Mount Airy Police Department $500. According to Chief Dale Watson, the money will be used to sponsor any activities the post undertakes during the year.

“We are appreciative of their efforts and continuing support of the Mount Airy Police Department,” said Watson of the Riders. “It truly takes a community effort to meet our goals. This wouldn’t be possible without them.”

The riders chose to donate to the police department in part due to the support the officers show for them. When they have rides, the American Legion is appreciative of the police departments efforts to block traffic for them.

The police department is not the only recipient of funding from the American Legion Riders. Through the HOG Rally held at Veterans Memorial Park in September and rides, the organization raises money to donate to causes they see as worthy. The group recently traveled to Sparta, Va., to donate money to the family of a child in need of a transplant. Members also are planning to head to the food bank in Mount Airy this week with another donation.

In order to keep the American Legion Post in the area active and involved, the groups is always searching for new members. There is a push now to attract the young people returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We’re trying to get new members in. Most of us are Vietnam vets and most of the World War II guys are gone. We need them to keep everything going,” said Norm Martindale, president of the American Legion Riders and co-founder with Junior Payne. “With the Legion Riders, you’ve got something to do.”

This is the second year this area has had an American Legion Riders group. They hope in the coming year to have a ride every month in order to stay active. The group is also working with Food Lion to send boxes of chocolate candy to the soldiers in Iraq.

Anyone interested in learning more about the group can visit their Web site at www.alrpost123.com.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.