The American Legion Auxiliary has become a fixture in many communities nationwide. Hosting activities regularly — from big events to small acts of kindness — helps build consistency and trust with the public.
 
Over time, repeated, annual functions will help ALA entities become known as a solid support system to their local area.  
 
Across the nation, ALA members shared their successful, dependable events: 
 
 
“Dietrich Luhman Unit 360 in Weatherly, Pennsylvania, goes to our elementary school and does Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero and The Pledge of Allegiance program. We sponsor a veteran to speak to a middle school grade and a high school class. Every other month, we have a Cards for Soldiers & Veterans event. We make cards to send to active duty that are blank for all holidays and occasions, so they can send home to loved ones. Signed cards go to the veterans in local VA centers for Christmas and birthdays. A Be the One coffee club is held every other month for coffee and pastries, fellowship, information on veterans benefits, and a luncheon. In October, we hold a Pumpkins and Pancakes event for our community, and in May, we have poppy night. A poppy craft is made, and ‘the poppy lady’ reads the book The Poppy Lady.”
— Judy Desrosiers, Pennsylvania
 
“We do a New Year’s party, and the proceeds go to our Winchendon Emergency Fund that helps our community in times of need. We also do Field of Flags on Veterans Day where the proceeds go to a VA&R program.”
— Monique Connor, Massachusetts 

“Northeastern Unit 459 does an annual school supply drive in September, Food 4 the Needy drive pre-Thanksgiving, and serves breakfast to the homeless monthly at a church.”
— Margo Forrester, Michigan
 
“Unit 39, Madison, Maine: For the past two-plus years, our unit has been displaced as our post home was condemned, and the building had to be taken down. Thanks to our wonderful town officials, we have been able to meet twice a month for our meetings at a centrally located town-owned building. Despite being displaced, we continue to hold our annual school/teacher supply drive. In October, we had our annual Turkey Pie fundraiser. In November, we’ll be hosting our 39th Annual Craft Fair, thanks to the local VFW post. We held a Luck of the Draw and raised $6,500 for our department president’s project — Honor Flight Maine. We have held many raffles, and we continue to support our veterans in any way we can.”
— Robin Hauser Turek, Maine
 
“Unit 320 Maumee, Ohio: Our unit works hard year-round, helping our community collect food, school supplies, blankets, etc., and raking leaves for our veterans and neighbors. We hold bake sales, our annual veterans dinner to the public, and support the Salvation Army at Christmas time collecting a children’s wish list. We hold events that bring everyone together. We support our other entities. We help where help is needed.” 
— Shannon Ries, Ohio


This diverse collection of events can help jump-start you and your Auxiliary unit with potential ideas to try in your communities. Whether the event is weekly, monthly, or annually, all forms of consistency help spread the word and mission of the ALA.
 
Tips and tricks for planning successful ALA events:
•  If your unit is hosting a fundraiser, be clear about who the money will benefit. 
•  Use social media to promote the event.
•  Define clear roles for your members to help with the planning and execution stages. 
•  Ask community organizations (schools, food banks, shelters, etc.) what support they need. 
•  Gather feedback from both event attendees and unit members to make the next event even better.