Cleveland restaurant gift certificate

Since its 1899 inception, VFW Has had at its heart the spirit of Volunteering. When the Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1914, that spirit only grew deeper. With April 21-27 as National Volunteer Week, now is the perfect time to highlight Posts' community service initiatives.

In the first six months alone of the 2001 program year, VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members logged more than 6 million hours and spent or donated more than $27 million.

Every year, one post and ladies Auxiliary is recognized for a special projects program. Post 1839 in Cleveland, Texas, is this year's recipient of the National VFW Special Project Award. From Nov.23-Dec.23, members collected $13,000 worth of toys from bingo donations, area businesses and community groups. These funs items were later used to brighten children's lives at Christmas in what became known as "Christmas: VFW Style."

According to Budd Todd, then-Post commander, VFW's bingo players donated $3,000 for toy purchases. When members headed to the local Wal-Mart to play Santa Claus, the store manager kicked in $100 for more toys.

A community-based group, Operation Refuge, read about the Post's project in the paper and called to say it had a toy donation to make. Imagine the surprise when a truck showed up with $8,000 in gifts.

"Everyone was in absolute shock," Todd said. "Delighted, but shocked."

On Dec. 23, two trailers loaded with toys, fruit and candy baskets took to the streets. With a Santa Claus on each, the trailers split up and moved to distribution points. In one day's time, 1,000 children received gifts from VFW's Santas.

"The faces of the children, along with the tears in the mothers' eyes was all the thanks we needed," Todd said.

The editor of the Cleveland Advocate was so moved by the project, she sent a letter to the Post. "You have represented your country well," she wrote.

As commendable as Post 1839's volunteer efforts are, they aren't alone.

VOLUNTEERING THE GIFT OF TIME Kevin Smallwood, a quadriplegic from Floral City, Fla., was in need of a hospital bed with special equipment. Members of Post 7122 heard of Smallwood's problem and donated $500 toward the bed.

But that was only the beginning. Smallwood and his mother Nancy hadn't been to the national cemetery in Bushnell, Fla., in more than two years. Kevin's father is buried there.

On Oct. 27, Make A Difference Day, four members from VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary rented a specially equipped van to take the Smallwoods to the cemetery.

"It was a tearjerker for me," said member Bill Korb who was among the escorts to the cemetery. "That is the kind of thing that really tears at your heart"

On a similar note, Post 2494 in Irving, Texas, has worked since October to raise nearly $10,500 to purchase a service dog for 15-year-old Kristin Steger, a member of the Junior Girls born with spina bifida.

Steger is unable to perform many day-to-day functions most people take for granted--like opening a door, turning on a light or getting a soda from the refrigerator. With the aid of a service dog, life will be much easier for her.

The cost of the dog is approximately $8,000, plus expenses. Sponsoring a casino night, carnival, bake sales and an auction, members surpassed the needed cost.

According to Mary Steger, Kristin's grandmother, the dog is still being trained in California.

"Kristin is so excited about this;' she said. "It will do her a whole world of good"

In Lynnwood, Wash., members of Post 1040 keep plugging away at community volunteer efforts, as well. One such example is the Post's quarterly luncheons for veterans at the VA hospital in Seattle. Members drive the patients to the Old Country Buffet where the management feeds them for free. The Post presented the restaurant with an appreciation plaque in October.

HONORING THOSE VALUABLE VOLUNTEERS

Honoring volunteers--members and non-members alike--is important, too.

Kathy Dahl is one such honoree. Since age 13, Dahl has volunteered to play her trumpet for VFW functions in Price, Utah. Post 2379 recently recognized her for 40,000 hours of volunteer service. She received a National Community Service Volunteer Recognition Award citation and pin.

"We are very proud of her and her dedication to the VFW" said Glenn Silvis, Department senior vice commander. "When she got married, she told her husband not to plan to go out of town on any holidays on which veterans have programs planned."

And last year, Joe Clark, commander of Post 2539 in Gulfport, Miss., received the Department New Volunteer of the Year Award. At 26, this non-commissioned Army officer volunteers his time in schools, as well as ensuring veterans' needs are met in the community. This award is provided to members of two years or less.

Post 6375 in Elkhorn, Wis., honors a different kind of volunteer each May. Post members attend the Senior Honors Banquet to present certificates to students enlisting in the armed services.

According to coordinator Gayle Heggie, this program has grown considerably in just two years. He has members from Posts in neighboring areas calling him to find out how to expand the program to their towns.

"Right now there are about 12 to 14 high schools being served in Wisconsin" Heggie said. "The farthest is 150 miles away."

Heggie starts months in advance to honor these special volunteers. He calls recruiters and receives the names of enlistees and prepares a certificate for each.

Hoping this is a program that will spread like wildfire and perhaps one day come out of VFW National Headquarters, Heggie encourages all Posts to recognize the young enlistees in their areas.

Sometimes, VFW itself receives honors for its volunteer activities concerning youth.

In Missouri, VFW's Jackson County Council coordinated a flag education program with young members and counselors at the Sunbeam and Explorer Camp on Join Hands Day 2001. An initiative of the Salvation Army, this summer camp serves about 1,000 youth.

"This inter-generational project brought young Americans and war veterans together to connect on a patriotic topic" said Mike Gormalley, director of VFW's Citizenship Education and Community Service Department. "That topic is respecting our flag."

In recognition for its program, the Points of Light Foundation and its partner, America's Fraternal Benefit Societies, awarded VFW one of only nine 2001 Connect America/Join Hands Day awards.

Join Hands Day is a program designed to encourage volunteering across generations. It is always the third Saturday of June. This year, that date is June 15.

WALKING FOR HEALTHIER BABIES

The most visible of all VFW volunteering initiatives takes place each April across the country: WalkAmerica.

Since 1983, VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members have taken part in the March of Dimes (MOD) WalkAmerica, raising thousands of dollars for healthier babies. In 2001, members nationwide raised $83,000 for the organization. More than 30 Departments had at least one walking team.

Departments that annually stand out in fund-raising include Delaware, Maryland and Texas. In October, outstanding individual walkers were recognized at the MOD Leadership Conference.

Among the honorees were Claude Heath from Post 4667 in Marion, Va., and Elaine Phillip from Post 5246's Auxiliary in Federalsburg, Md. Heath single-handedly raised more than $2,000 while Phillip brought in $4,500.

"The March of Dimes is proud and honored to have been associated with VFW for six decades" MOD President Dr. Jennifer Howse said. "It has remained a close ally. We are profoundly grateful for our partnership with VFW."

Regardless of the cause, VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members remain dedicated sources of volunteer energy.

Recognizing Volunteers

An initiative of the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network, National Volunteer Week is April 21-27. The 2002 theme is "Celebrate the American Spirit--VOLUNTEER!"

This recognition week was established to honor and celebrate volunteer efforts at the local, state and national levels.

To view the on-line guidebook or for more information, go to: www.pointsoflight.org, or e-mail VolunteerWeek@pointsoflight.org.