COAL GROVE — It was the first day of the Christmas season, and members of American Legion Post 433 were asking people to give on Friday.

As they have done in previous year’s, Legion members were at the intersection of Marion Pike and Pike Street, collecting donations from drivers to help pay for Christmas for active duty personnel, veterans in nursing homes and children of soldiers.

“Last year, we bought for 70 veterans in homes, 10 active duty personnel and 10 kids,” Frank Murphy, the post commander, said.

The group planned to be in downtown Ironton on Saturday to continue the effort.

For those who would like to contribute to the cause, donations can be mailed to American Legion Post 433, P.O. Box 433, Ironton Ohio 45638.