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Thursday, September 26, 2013
Community Service
American Legion Auxiliary
Founded in 1919, The American Legion Auxiliary has nearly 1 million members from all walks of life. The Auxiliary administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of thousands of hours to its communities and to veterans, and raises millions of dollars to support its own programs, as well as other worthwhile charities familiar to Americans. It is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization. Through its nearly 10,500 units located in every state and some foreign countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace.
Department of New York Auxiliary
National AuxiliaryBlood Donor Program
People have held blood drives and given blood since community service became an American value. It’s only natural that The American Legion – with community service as one of its pillars – be heavily involved in blood donation efforts. A number of posts hold regular blood drives in conjunction with the American Red Cross. The Blood Donor Program honors those departments that best participate in blood-donation efforts, recognizing departments in two areas: for post participation and individual Legionnaire participation. Post participation awards are given to departments with the highest number of participating posts. Individual participation awards are given to departments with the highest percentage of individuals giving blood to the program.
Posts interested in hosting drives can set up a blood drive by visiting the Red Cross’ blood drive registration page.
Posts, counties and districts record blood donor programs by using the Department of New York’s Blood Donor Program Form.
Financial Assistance
The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program has awarded cash grants to minor children of veterans who are eligible for American Legion membership. These grants help families in need meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses, thereby keeping the child or children in a more stable environment.
Who Is Eligible: TFA is limited to minor children (17 years or younger) whose biological parent, or legal guardian, is a veteran and is, or would have been, eligible for American Legion membership. However, Legion membership is not required. Children 18-20 years old will also be considered if a current disability requires special schooling or indefinite in-home care, or they are enrolled in an approved high school and unmarried.
No child is considered eligible for Temporary Financial Assistance until a complete investigation is conducted at the post or department level; a legitimate family need is determined; and all other available assistance resources have been utilized or exhausted. Additionally, the TFA Application must originate and be filled out by someone at the local level.
For more information, contact your local post or the Department of New York:
info@nylegion.org
(518) 463-2215You can donate to the Temporary Financial Assistance program by sending a check or money order, made out to The American Legion Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN, 46206 or donate online.
Legion Riders
American Legion Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children’s hospitals, schools, veterans homes, severely wounded servicemembers and scholarships. Since 2006, Riders nationwide have participated in the Legion Legacy Run, to annually raise money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, established to provide scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed since Sept. 11, 2001.
NY Legion Riders
National Riders PageNational Emergency Fund
Created in 1989 in response to Hurricane Hugo, the National Emergency Fund has provided more than $8 million in direct financial assistance to American Legion Family members and posts in the wake of disasters. “Devotion to mutual helpfulness” — words from the Preamble to The American Legion Constitution — is the reason for the fund. It’s our pledge of support to our distressed comrades. All contributions are deposited into a special account and are used exclusively to meet our members’ most urgent needs. Not a penny of the fund is used for fundraising, administrative costs or fulfillment.
How to apply
You may also mail a donation for the fund. (Make check out to Department of New York, and indicate NEF on memo line. Mail to American Legion, Dept. of New York, 112 State Street, Suite 1300, Albany, New York 12207.)Sons of the American Legion
Sons of The American Legion members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Although Sons has its own membership, the organization is not a separate entity. Rather, SAL is a program of The American Legion. Many Legionnaires hold dual membership in SAL. The Sons organization is divided into detachments at the state level and squadrons at the local level. A squadron pairs with a local American Legion post.