Post 82 Concessions serves up public service and refreshments

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Volunteers prep, cook and take orders at the Post 82 concession booth on Thursday. | Chuck Thompson

SPORTS — If you ever have or currently are attending the American Legion World Series at Shelby High School, then it would be almost impossible not to walk by the brick concessions stand run by the volunteers at Post 82.

The Post 82 concessions stand isn’t for profit, in fact, they’re lucky to make a profit sometimes, in turn which they use for various projects and charities.

 Many people think that Post 82 is part of the American Legion, but it’s a separate entity which does not receive any county funds that are given to the local ALWS.

Post 82 is a nonprofit that helps veterans and youth of Cleveland County with programs such as Veterans support, Post 82 Baseball, Post 82 Softball, Crest JR ROTC, oratorical, student troopers as well as Boys and Girls State. The ALWS is the main fundraiser each year to be able to support these programs. 

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Sara Bridges Tongel and her mother Martha Bridges taking a snappy photo break while working the concession stand at the AWLS games.

Martha Bridges, former commander of Post 82, explained, “American legion World Series is not Post 82. It’s affiliated but not the same organization. The Post is for veterans and Auxiliary and Sons of American Legion is comprised of children and grandchildren of veterans.”

Victor Darville, another former commander Post 82, and current District Vice-Commander, spoke on the need of supporting Post 82 concession stand.

“All the money we raise here, at our biggest fundraiser – which is the ALWS, helps with all these programs. We hope we’re able to make enough from our concessions this year to support them as we have in the past.”

If you’re at the ALWS games this year, stop by the Post 82 concession stand on the first base side for a burger, fries and a drink, plus they’re selling baseball cookies made by local Sweet Eats Bakery in Boiling Springs, and support a good cause.

Dana York holds a baseball cookie for sale at the Post 82 concessions.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.