ADRIAN — Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s annual flag exchange led to a $7,400 donation to the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans, helping the group save for a new shuttle van.

The donation was presented on June 25 to Disabled American Veterans Lenawee Chapter #20.

The flag exchange on June 11 provided more than 150 new American flags to local residents at no cost in preparation for Flag Day. Although there was no charge for the flags, donations were accepted, and participants donated a total of $1,200.

Gleaner made an approximately 2-to-1 match of individual donations to bring the total to $3,700, and then that entire amount was matched by the Joseph Wildberg Fund for Veterans, which was founded by Gleaner employee Elly Sager in memory of her father and is part of the Lenawee Community Foundation. 

“This will be used for the DAV van,” Disabled American Veterans president Paul Dye said. “It’s not in the immediate future but soon we’ll have to get a new one.”

Flag exchange donors were also entered into a Gleaner drawing for a campfire-themed collection of items that included a portable fire pit. Local resident Joseph Walter won the drawing.

Founded in 1894, Gleaner Life Insurance Society is a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society that assists its members in achieving their financial security goals through a broad range of life insurance and annuity financial solutions. As a fraternal organization, Gleaner provides volunteer opportunities and supports outreach programs intended to make a difference in the lives of its members and the communities where they live, work and serve.