“Children and Youth are the Building Bricks for our Youth”
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
Donations fund Christmas gifts and parties in IL youth care facilities in a joint effort with The American Legion.
Children and Youth Scholarship Fund
Donations fund the $1000 scholarships to applicants working toward a degree in education with the emphasis on teaching mentally or physically challenged children.
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.
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.
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 Susan Heinz-Wojcik 126 Golfview Circle Prospect Heights, IL 60070 or email heinzwojciks@gmail.com no later than October 20, 2024. Forms given to the District and Division Presidents at the Fall Board Meeting.
Children and Youth Scholarship 2024 – 2025
- 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, 2025.
- Unit will forward entry to Department Children and Youth Chairman by April 1st, 2025.
Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior Members
Access National web page for all pertinent information: Scholarships (legion-aux.org)
Special Olympics Events – 2025, Sue Johnson Vice Chairman
- Summer Games: ISU in Normal, Il. June 20-21, 2025
- Tennis State games 2025: Evergreen Racquet Club 3203 E. Washington St. Bloomington, Il. 61704. August 16 -17, 2025
Department Awards
Please send to Susan Heinz-Wojcik 126 Golfview Circle, Prospect Heights, IL 60070 email heinzwojciks@gmail.com 847-913-4998
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, 2025.
Personal Awards:
$10 to the runner up to the Beulah M. Unfer plaque
SPECIAL OLYMPICS – Personal Awards:
Please send to Sue Johnson 140 E Russell St. Rockton, Il. 61072 americandancer13@gmail.com 815- 222- 3983
- $10 and a certificate for the Unit, the District or Division that brings the most riders to hand out construction toys, or stuffed animals (Bob the Builder) etc. at the summer games. Please send a note of entry to be received by the following Friday after the Summer Games.
- $10 and certificate for the Unit, District or Division that brings the most American Legion Family participants to work the hospitality between the State Tennis, Winter and Summer Games for Special Olympics. Please send a note of entry to be received by the following Friday after the Summer Games.
Children & Youth: Susan Heinz-Wojcik | heinzwojciks@gmail.com | 847-913-4998
Special Olympics: 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