Earl and JoAnne Thomas collect donations at Howland’s Giant Eagle as part of the American Legion Post 700 Ladies Auxiliary/American Legion Post poppy donation event last month.

About the auxiliary: The American Legion Post 700 Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor the participation of four Howland High School delegates — Brittany Fleming, Jessica Procup, Jacqueline Flack and Ashley Yassall, all juniors — in this year’s Buckeye Girls State June 15-21 in Ashland, Oh. Alternates are Kelly Barzak, Claire Gysegem, Rachel Tricomi and Natalie Teringo. n Auxiliary members this summer will sell military-inspired stepping stones for $10 each to benefit local veterans. They’ll also sell tiger paw-shaped stepping stones to help fund the boys’ and girls’ state program. Those stones are available in two sizes and are priced at $7 or $10. Anyone interested in the auxiliary’s fundraisers or in becoming a member should call Jean Difford, president, at 330-603-1357.

By DARCIE LORENO Tribune Chronicle HOWLAND — For a small group in Howland, the next few months will play an important role in their quest to honor and nurture area veterans.