“May the bells keep ringing for those that “Believe” no matter what age you may be!”
The Children and Youth Program emphasizes protecting, caring for, and supporting children and youth, particularly Veterans and military families. The ALA Children & Youth program strives to support and promote the Children & Youth Program of The American Legion.
Christmas Gift Program Fund
This program provides a Christmas gift to every child under the age of 18, housed in a state funded children’s facility, as long as it is not considered to be a detention or judicial facility. Each child will receive a $10.oo gift unless the facility has more than 120 children, a maximum of $1200 will be allowed for one large gift for all to enjoy instead of single gifts. A shared effort with The American Legion.
Deadline dates: Form 1 October 20th cut -off October 23rd if emailed. Call to see if I received. Form 2 January 6th cut- off January . Form 3 if needed with Form 2.
Children and Youth Scholarship Fund
Donate funds for $1000 scholarships to applicants working toward a degree in education with the emphasis on teaching children with mentally or physically challenges.
Special Olympics Fund
Donations are used to purchase food, supplies, etc. for the hospitality area at the Special Olympics Summer Games at ISU in Normal. Donations are also used to fund the Auxiliary portion of the facility fees at the Special Olympics Summer Games at ISU in Normal.
Mark your calendar Summer games : June 12-13th Tennis games: August 15-16th.
Children’s Miracle Network
Donations may be made to 1 or all of the 4 locations. Provides pediatric care with benefits and innovations in medical technology, research, and family-friendly design.
Fundraisers: Bell Ringer Stuff the Money Kettle
Charitable endeavors with proceeds strictly for children in the state of Illinois. A Legion Family committee to help work with the Auxiliary to raise money all year or until April 20th, 2026 deadline for 2 or more organizations Let’s support our children. The list will be given out in the November ALA Today.
Fundraiser: The Kringle “Purple UP” April Ball.
The proceeds will be divided between Children Well-Being Foundation and events or activities that include the military child and the community for children fun. Especially, during the month of April for the Military Child. It will be a PURPLE_TASTIC fun time.
Areas of Emphasis:
- American Legion Auxiliary – Youth Hero Award & Good Deed Award. National Awards bestowed by Units to recognize and reward the positive actions of our youth.
- Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2 (KD2) is an initiative honoring military children who may be experiencing a separation from one or both parents.
- April, the month of the Military Child.
- The Christmas Gifts forms need to be sent to Sue Johnson 140 E Russell St, Rockton, IL 61072 or email americandancer13@gmail.com no later than October 20, 2025. Forms given to the District and Division Presidents at the Fall Board Meeting.
Mission Yuletide Yeti: Children and Youth Scholarship 2025-2026
- The applicant must be working towards a degree in Education with emphasis on the subjects required for teaching mentally or physically challenged children.
- Application MUST be submitted to an American Legion Auxiliary Unit no later than March 15, 2026.
- Unit will forward entry to Department Children and Youth Chairman by April 1st, 2026.
Mission Spreading Spirit of Cash: National Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior Members
Access National web page for all pertinent information: Scholarships (legion-aux.org)
Mission Secret Santa: Special Olympics Events – 2025, Sue Johnson
- Summer Games: ISU in Normal, Il. June 12-13th, 2026
- Tennis State games 2025: Evergreen Racquet Club 3203 E. Washington St. Bloomington, Il. 61704. August 15-16th, 2026
Mission Santa’s Graphic Design Maker
Looking for some craftsy elves that might want to show off their skills in designing a new purple up shirt for the military child. This shirt would be ready for the year 2026-2027 that can be purchased by order. It must be tasteful. The Military Child is considered the Dandelion, or it can include anything of the military that all would like to wear. You also need catch phrase for the Military Child. Due Date January 13th sent to me. Voted on by the children and youth Committee. Then it would be taken to my graphic printer to process and do her magic. The winner will be only announced at the Department Convention. The elves are great at keeping secrets!!!!
Department Awards
BEULAH M. UNFER PLAQUE – to the Unit Chairman who submits the best overall participation in the Children and Youth program. The report should include pictures and a narrative, submitted by May 1, 2026.
The unit that spreads Christmas Cheer/Spirit to all Boys and Girls in the most ways throughout the year to help all children to Believe in kindness, confidence, and the best version of themselves. Please submit 200 to 500 words by May 1st on what you did to make this happen and capture the moments with pictures not attached to the report, but separate.
SANTA’S GRAPHIC DESIGN MAKER – Certificate in Blue Folder – The member who can design a new purple up shirt design for the military child to be printed on purple shirts for the year 2026-2027. Due to Department Chairman January 13, 2026.
Personal Awards:
- $10 to the runner up to the Beulah M. Unfer plaque
- The Kringle “Purple Up” April Ball – $10 for the Unit/District who raises the most money to be divided between CWF and designated Children and Youth new missions. $5 for second place.
- The Bell Ringer “Stuff the Money” Kettle – $10 for the Unit /District that collects the most money distributed between 8 listed nonprofit organizations that take care of children at their discretion. $5 for second place.
- The Night Before Christmas Story – $10 for the Unit/District that purchases and distributes the most books to military children. $5 for second place.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS – Personal Awards:
- Secret Santa/reindeer/moose “Special Olympics Summer Games” – $10 for the Unit/District who provides the most wrapped children’s gifts to be handed out by our elf riders riding reindeer Summer Olympic Games. $5 for second place.
Rebecca “Sue” Johnson | americandancer13@gmail.com | 815-222-3983
Resources from National
- Children and Youth Facebook group
- Youth Hero/Good Deed Award page
- Youth Hero Award and Good Deed Awards forms
- Youth Hero Award and Good Deed media release templates
- Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2
- How to download and print “I’m a Hero 2” stickers
- Proud Parent of Military Child button order form
- Halloween Coloring Book
- Military Child’s Table Setting Ceremony
- Log into the National Website to Access these Items: Click Here
Department Resources