PROGRAMS

The Ladies Auxiliary VFW was founded in 1914 to help veterans and their families. At the dawn of this new Millennium, that is still the primary goal of the organization The organization has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to VFW.

Like the VFW, the Auxiliary's interests have broadened to encompass the entire community. The Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. It is solidly behind America today as it was when it was founded.

The Ladies Auxiliary is an integral part of the VFW and supports a host of programs which pursue issues of national importance to veterans. These programs are designed to preserve veterans rights, advocate a strong national defense, promote patriotism and offer community service.

The Ladies Auxiliary also has conceived and implemented hundreds of its own volunteer programs to help veterans, their spouses, their children, schools and local communities.

Today, the Ladies Auxiliary is involved in a kaleidoscopic range of activities. The Auxiliary has programs for veterans, their families, young people and the community at large. Many programs have been expanded and now are commonly accepted institutions within the community and nation.

Although these programs are run locally, they are also a part of a larger nationwide effort, administered through the Ladies Auxiliary National Headquarters. So deeply ingrained are such programs that the subtle guiding hand of the Ladies Auxiliary is often not seen or recognized.

While continuing to support the VFW and its causes, the Ladies Auxiliary has developed a social conscience of its own. With the paramount goal of helping families in distress, its members perform community service, fund cancer research, fight drug abuse and illiteracy, advocate for the rights of the elderly, and support the VFW National Home, Special Olympics, and other worthy causes.

Americanism - The Ladies Auxiliary VFW promotes patriotic programs in schools, presenting schools and other community groups with over 500,000 American Flags, distributing patriotic literature, organizing "Get Out the Vote" campaigns and conducting special programs on patriotic holidays.

VFW Operation Uplink - Support of this program provides free pre-paid phone cards to hospitalized veterans and active-duty military personnel around the world to help them keep in contact with family and friends.

Veterans and Family Support - Members assist veterans and their families outside the hospital, providing assistance with items such as utility bills, childcare, food, clothing, and more.  Additionally, four (4) Continuing Education Scholarships of $1,000 each are offered to members and family members each year through the Veterans and Family Support program.  Veterans and Family Support also benefits homeless veterans and their families.  This program showcases the kindness and charity that have characterized the Auxiliary since 1931. Buddy Poppies and the VFW National Home are two of the programs in this category.

"Buddy" Poppy Drives - Our goal is to honor the dead by helping the living.  Donations help perpetuate the memory of deceased veterans and members of the Armed Forces, and to comfort their survivors.

Community Service - The Ladies Auxiliary VFW conducts community service together with the VFW to meet specific needs.  We encourage members to volunteer, providing much needed services for young people, seniors, disabled, homeless, and others with special needs not only in our community, but also in other communities across the country.

Youth Activities - The Ladies Auxiliary encourages and nurtures our youth to volunteer so they will understand that volunteering and helping others is the greatest gift one can give.  Each year, one Outstanding Young Volunteer (age 12 - 15) is honored for their volunteer efforts. Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, Patriots Art, Lite-a-Bike are several of the local programs.

Patriotic Art - In 1978 the Patriotic Art contest was established to recognize and reward high school students for expressing their patriotism through their artistic talent.

Voice of Democracy - In 1965 the Ladies Auxiliary began to co-sponsor the Voice of Democracy contest with the VFW.  This program encourages high school students to compete for National Scholarships as they express their patriotism.

Lite-a-Bike -

Patriot's Pen

Cancer Aid and Research - For 16 consecutive years the Ladies Auxiliary VFW has raised over $3 million annually to support donations to a variety of research facilities and to provide small financial grants to members and Junior Girls stricken with cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Hospital and VAVS - Since 1928, members and youth have volunteered at VA Medical Centers, nursing homes, and other facilities.  Volunteer efforts total nearly 3 million hours annually.

Legislative Programs - The goals of the Legislative program are to keep members up-to-date on all issues and pending bills relating to veterans, their dependents, active-duty military, and national security; to let legislators know our views regarding such legislation; and hold them accountable for honoring America's promises to veterans. The Legislators speak for the Veterans and VFW-PAC supports those Legislators who work for the Veterans. LEGISLATIVE: This program encourages our Legislators to honor and respect the promises that have been made by America to it's Veterans.  It also enables the public to become aware of the Veteran's entitlements and the importance of them, and to protect our National Security.  Contact Legislators by sending cards, making calls, emails, and faxes.   It offers to members the chance to be informed about current legislation which affects Veterans and their entitlements. The VFW/PAC program helps support this legislative program.