Poppy Days have become a familiar tradition in almost every American community. Many people wish to donate in exchange for a poppy, yet they don’t know when or where a local distribution is taking place. To find out more information about a poppy distribution in your area, email Poppy@ALAforVeterans.org
The distribution of this bright-red memorial flower to the public is a big component of the ALA’s Poppy Program, one of our oldest and most widely recognized programs. The poppy symbolizes the sacrifice made by our veterans, servicemembers, and their families. However, many people do not know how the funds received from poppy distributions may be used or where the money can go.
Poppy funds are used to support two major national mission outreach activities. The first is the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which the Auxiliary has proudly co-presented for over 20 years. For more information on the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, click here. If you wish to donate to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, please donate here. The second mission outreach activity is a recent development brought to the attention of our organization — food insecurity among servicemembers nationwide. Please watch this video to learn more about this urgent issue.
Food Insecurity PSA
The American Legion Auxiliary is joining forces with the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) to combat food insecurity. By supporting the existing network of food pantries and food distribution events offered by the ASYMCA with the donation of Auxiliary poppy funds, we can win the war together in this ongoing need.
In 2013-2014, The American Legion expanded the use of poppy funds to include the assistance of active-duty servicemembers and their families. Now is the perfect time to help join the cause and fight against food insecurities experienced by so many military members in our Armed Forces by donating a portion of your poppy funds to support servicemembers in your area. Please select from the list below for the ASYMCA food pantry near you. Don’t see a listing in your local area? You can still help — visit National Donations at ASYMCA.org
CALIFORNIA
Camp Pendleton: https://www.asymca.org/camp-pendleton-donate
Twenty-Nine Palms https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341360&id=231
NORTH CAROLINA
Fort Bragg - https://fortbragg.asymca.org/give/340604/#!/donation/checkout
VIRGINIA
Hampton Roads: https://www.asymca.org/hampton-roads-donate
