Theme: “Where Every Kid Shines: Connecting Friends, Creating Leaders with Fun, Collecting and Celebrating: The ALA Hometown Heroes Fair Way”
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 $10.00 gift unless the facility has more than 120 children. A maximum of $1,200 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 23th cut off October 26th if emailed. Call to see if I received. Form 2 January 15th cut off January. Form 3 if needed with Form 2.
The Christmas Gift forms need to be to Suzanne King 200 Melbrooke Road, Elgin, IL 60123 or
email to suzyjulyfaithk1988@gmail.com no later than October 23, 2026. Forms will be given to District and Division Presidents at Fall Board Meeting.
Christmas Gift Program Award
$10.00 and Certificate of Appreciation for the Unit that gives the most donations to the Children and Youth Christmas Gift Program.
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 11-12th Tennis games: August 21-22nd.
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.
National Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior Members
Access National web page for all pertinent information: Scholarships (legion-aux.org)
Special Olympics Events – 2027, Sue Johnson
- Summer Games: ISU in Normal, Il. June 11-12th, 2027
- Tennis State games 2025: Evergreen Racquet Club 3203 E. Washington St. Bloomington, Il. 61704. August 21-22nd, 2027
Department Awards
BEULAH M. UNFER PLAQUE –Fueling the Future Powering the Fun. The best Unit that incorporates as many of the Children and Youth Program into the year. 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 in the report, but separate.
MILITARY CHILD OF THE YEAR – From each of 7 branches, one will be recognized and awarded at the State Fair Convention held in July. One from each branch plus Reserves/National Guard. Nominated from you Unit that most represents a parent either serving or has served. Forms of requirement will be sent out to recognize in the Fall Packet. These spotlight these unique young youth ages 13-18 that demonstrate excellence in character, community service, leadership and resilience. Nomination from unit and all papers required submitted by Aprils 1st to Sue Johnson. Blue/Folder and citation.
Personal Awards:
- $10 for the Unit/District that purchases and distributes the most books to school or public Libraries about the military children. $5 for second place.
- $10 for the Unit/District who raises the most money to be divided between Children Well Being Foundation and designated Children and Youth “Purple Up” events and Activities honoring our Military kids and non- military kids bringing them together in a fair mission of activities and events. $5 for second place.
- “Special Olympics Summer Games” – $10 for the Unit/District who passes the most of your Midway prizes to our Special Olympic Heroes. To be handed out by AL Riders and ALA President on Sat. Summer Olympic Games. $5 for second place.
- $10 Make a life change as you jump on the Farris wheel for a Military Child. Involve the community by doing a fundraiser that is fun. Suggestions – run, walk and roll- a-thon, bake sell, craft sell. Need more just ask! $5 for second place
- $10 The most awards submitted and presented by your unit for their positive actions of our children and youth for: Good Deeds and Youth Hero Awards. A paragraph and Pics for each nomination. $5 for second place
- $10 The unit/district that donates the most food products on the list for 2 of our sponsored State Special Olympic Games- June 11-12th, 2027. Tennis-August 21-22nd, 2027. $5 for second place
- $10 To the Unit that can prove and get pictures of as many members or community supporting “Purple Up Day” April 15th sent to me within 2 days by email or 2 weeks by mail. $5 for send place.
- $10.00 and Certificate of Appreciation, for the Unit that gives the most donations to the Children and Youth Christmas Gift Program.
Rebecca “Sue” Johnson | americandancer13@gmail.com | 815-222-3983
Suzanne King | suzyjulyfaithk1988@gmail.com | 847-736-5525
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