The Wagner American Legion Auxiliary was proud to honor Wagner Community School second grader, Ellie Leines at their monthly meeting this past Thursday, April 17. Ellie is the daughter of Tracy and Lucy Leines.

In August of 2024 after hearing that the shelves of the Needy Nook food pantry in Marty were basically empty, Ellie came up with an idea. With the help of her mom, Lucy and her grandma, Rose, Ellie organized a food drive for the Needy Nook. She set a date when people could drop off their donations at the family business, Stems and Cells. In exchange for the donations, Ellie was able to offer those that donated lemonade or root beer floats. Thanks to Ellie’s kindness and her caring about food insecurity for local community members, the Needy Nooks shelves were stocked.

The American Legion Auxiliary Youth Hero Award was established to recognize and reward the positive actions of our children and youth. In addition to be chosen as the Wagner Unit’s Youth Hero, Ellie has also been nominated to be recognized at the State of South Dakota’s American Legion Auxiliary State Convention that will be held in June. As a unit we are proud to recognize such a wonderful young individual that is not only kind, but thinks about what she can do to help others in her community. Congratulations, Ellie!