Gleaner Life matches Flag Exchange donations

June 27, 2025

Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s annual Flag Exchange led to a $7,400 donation June 25 to the Disabled American Veterans Lenawee Chapter #20, helping the veterans save for a new shuttle van.

The Flag Exchange on June 11 provided more than 150 new American flags to local residents at no cost in preparation for Flag Day. Participants donated $1,200. That was double-matched by Gleaner Life to $3,700. That amount was then 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 (LCF). Gleaner employees and LCF Director of Operations Deb Salenbien presented the donation on June 24.

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

Flag Exchange donors were 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.