New Year’s is an exciting time. There are flashy dresses in display windows, fireworks, and plenty of celebrations to be had with oversized hats and noisemakers to ring in the first moments of the new year. It’s a time for a fresh start and new traditions. It’s a time to reflect on your accomplishments and set intentions for the new year. 

While focusing on individual goals is essential, why not take it a step further by incorporating charitable giving and volunteerism into your New Year’s resolutions? This not only benefits others but brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your life. This year, let’s not forget the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary. Let’s embark on a journey of Service Not Self with a month-by-month guide to integrating philanthropy into your year: 

January: Declutter for a cause
January is a great time to purge all of the excess from the previous year. Your ALA unit can partner with a local thrift store or organize a donation drive where people can drop off items after cleaning out for the new year. Request a small fee or suggest a donation per item dropped off.

February: Acts of kindness
Embrace the spirit of love and kindness in February by committing to perform small acts of kindness throughout the month. These acts can include helping a fellow ALA member around the house, offering your seat on public transportation, or surprising a friend with a thoughtful gesture. Kindness has a ripple effect, creating a positive impact on both the giver and receiver.

March: Celebrate Women of Service
Honor a woman who inspires you by supporting the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation on March 8 and donating in her honor. A tribute donation offers you a thoughtful way to celebrate a special person while contributing to the Foundation’s mission to positively impact the lives of our veterans, military, and their families by funding programs of the ALA today and for future generations. Text WOMAN to 1-844-940-3450 or donate online here.

April: National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month, making it the perfect time to ramp up your volunteer efforts. Explore opportunities in your community or participate in a global initiative. Whether it’s assisting in a job fair for veterans or military spouses, visiting veterans at a local senior center or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facility, or making a meal for a military family, your time and skills can make a significant impact.

May: Memorial Day barbecue or picnic
Host a barbecue or picnic at your post home with patriotic decorations, music, and games. Sell tickets for entry or charge per plate. Create a “Field of Flags” display where individuals can sponsor a flag in memory of a veteran, or set up a wall where people can make donations to post pictures or messages about loved ones who served.

June: Fly the flag
June 14 honors the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777 (and June 14 is the Army’s birthday!) and an opportunity to show patriotism. This June, sell small flags or flag-themed merchandise to support veterans in your community. Look for opportunities to properly retire worn flags throughout the month. 

July: Independence Day  
Independence Day is a perfect opportunity to host or participate in patriotic and community-focused fundraising events. Your unit could organize a fireworks viewing party or screen a patriotic movie like Independence Day and charge for admission. Additionally, keep an eye out for other organizations hosting a patriotic run/walk on this day so you and your fellow ALA members can join in. 

August: Support the ALA national president
Support 2024-2025 National President Trish Ward by donating to the national ALA fundraising focus: Veteran Projects Fund. You can give online here or text LEAD to 1-844-940-3450. To learn more about the Veteran Projects Fund, visit ALAFoundation.org/about-the-foundation. 

September: Disaster relief
As we enter the peak of hurricane season, September is an opportune time to focus on disaster relief efforts. Donate to the Auxiliary Emergency Fund (text AEF to 1-844-940-3450 or donate online here), participate in disaster preparedness programs, or volunteer with local emergency response teams.

October: Day of the Deployed 
Recognize the sacrifices of deployed servicemembers and their families on Oct. 26. Your unit could host a care package drive, collecting donations or funds to send care packages to deployed troops. Additionally, you can create a display honoring those currently deployed.

November: Gratitude in action
As Thanksgiving approaches, express gratitude by giving back to your community. Volunteer at a local VA, or organize a Thanksgiving meal for a military family. Gratitude in action fosters a sense of community and shared abundance.

December: Holiday giving
End the year on a high note by embracing the spirit of giving during the holiday season. Year-end giving presents an opportunity for donors to end the year knowing their financial gift is going to support their favorite organization’s work in the year to come.

Integrating philanthropy and volunteerism into your New Year’s resolutions turns personal development into a shared mission for positive change. By challenging yourself to get involved and make a difference each month, you can make a lasting difference in your life and in the lives of others in your community. Let 2025 be a path of compassion, connection, and Service Not Self.