OLAX and American Legion Team Up for a Successful Community Night

Celebrating Tacos, Lotería, and Community

On Saturday, May 30, tacos, lotería, and community spirit filled American Legion Post 853 as OLAX de LatinX and the Legion teamed up for their first collaborative community event.

The evening drew approximately 150 people, including kids, parents, grandparents, veterans, and longtime residents. Guests enjoyed tacos, lotería, karaoke, friendly competition, and time together across generations.

Children played inside and outside while adults gathered around tables, visited with neighbors, and took part in the evening’s activities. The event created a warm, lively atmosphere and showed how much Borrego Springs values opportunities to come together.

The OLAX team worked hard in the kitchen and throughout the event, preparing food, serving guests, and helping keep the evening running smoothly. They worked alongside the American Legion team, making the night a true example of two local groups coming together with shared purpose.

Photos by Kym McNabb of American Legion Post 853.

While this was the first event hosted together by OLAX de LatinX and American Legion Post 853, it was not their first connection. Earlier this year, the Legion passed its long-running recycling program at Center Market to OLAX, allowing an important local service to continue.

OLAX de LatinX is a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering the LatinX community of Borrego Springs. Its mission focuses on community growth, unity, positive change, and creating a better future for local families and neighbors.

American Legion Post 853, located on Borrego Springs Road, has served veterans and the Borrego Springs community since its charter in 1998. Known as “The Hottest Post in the State,” the Post supports active and retired military veterans, their families, scholarships for local youth, and community programs and projects.

This first community event was significant because it brought together two local organizations with shared goals: service, support, and community connection. The strong turnout showed how much Borrego Springs values events that connect people across generations and cultures.

One special moment came when attendees sang “Happy Birthday” to Borrego Springs Youth Intern Mia Garcia, who celebrated her 14th birthday while helping at the event. Mia also spent part of the evening documenting the gathering and interviewing Commander Dennis O’Leary about the first OLAX-Legion partnership.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, cooked, served, organized, and helped make the evening a success. Events like this show the strength of Borrego Springs when local organizations work together.

"This partnership brings together two organizations dedicated to supporting students, veterans, and the Borrego Springs community." — Dennis O'Leary, Commander, American Legion Post 853

"OLAX is an organization that supports and celebrates Hispanic culture and provides scholarships." — Mia Garcia, Borrego Sun Youth Intern

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