“Buddy”® Poppy/VFW National Home for Children: Time to Order Poppies and A Helpline Story

“Buddy”® Poppy
Memorial Day is just around the corner. Here is a reminder of planning for your “Buddy”® Poppy distribution:

• Work with your Post or order your own “Buddy”® Poppies from your VFW Department office.
• Identify volunteers.
• Choose distribution dates.
• Choose distribution venues.
• Get permission from business owners.
• Publicize your distribution.
• Decorate your booth/table to draw attention.
• Have a supply of membership applications and other program materials.
• Smile be enthusiastic and wear your name badge or other clothing that identifies you as a member of the VFW Auxiliary.
• Be ready to answer questions quickly and concisely such as “what is this about?”.
• Thank your donors, volunteers and the business.

VFW National Home for Children
National President Special Project – Update

Please keep up the great work on promoting our National President’s special project. I BELIEVE we can do it. If your Auxiliary would like some project ideas for the National Home, please contact Sue Alverson, Director of Marketing and Development at 1-866-483-9642.

SWAP CORNER
You never know who you will meet…
In the month of January, I was on a flight on my way home from Eugene, Oregon. I was sitting next to a woman with her baby – her husband and older daughter were seated across the aisle from us. After some general conversation, she asked what I was doing in Eugene and I explained I was at a VFW Auxiliary event to talk about the VFW National Home for Children. She revealed to me that she is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran who died from an agent orange-related disease; her husband is currently on active-duty and they were scheduled to discharge in a year. I told her about the VFW National Home for Children and the opportunities that might be available to her family. She broke out in tears and said our meeting could not come at a better time. She explained that though a year may seem like a long time, she knew it would pass much quicker than what she was prepared for. I gave her a card with the helpline number on it and asked her to give them a call – whether they might possibly move to the National Home or obtain help wherever they end up. She was very grateful that an option and help was available for her and her family if they need it. Always carry the helpline number with you!