Area Residents Support Veteran Poppy Sales 2012

Although quite a few weeks have passed, I thought it  rather decent to share with our readers a small yet significant success story. This success story has two elements- well, actually three elements. A local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, the residents of the west suburban communities and various organizations that serve veterans in need.

We all notice groups or individuals holding those little red poppies at intersections, corners or in front of stores asking drivers or pedestrians for a small donation and giving those donors a red poppy. This activity is most often conducted the week or so before Memorial  Day. 

Usually, I will place the poppy on the rear view mirror to not only display my participation but to also inform others that “I already donated.” Actually, I usually donate another buck or two and “keep the poppy for someone else.”  We have seen this event annually for a "zillion" years, yet I wonder how many donors actually know where our dollar or two goes?  Well , if you are interested, read on-

Most veteran groups- VFW , American Legion, etc., have rather strict guidelines or bylaws, that require funds derived from these poppy sales to be allocated to a relief fund that is dedicated to assisting veterans- or their families- in times of financial or related difficulties.

This is very interesting because most generous donors are not aware of this. Which institutions or individuals you may ask?  That depends on where a Veteran post is located. Example-  the Local VFW in our area is Post 10778 in Western Springs. The members of that post will decide every year at a post meeting on how to allocate relief funds. Post 10778 supports local veterans and or their families when they require assistance of a financial nature.

Also donations are directed to support the veteran patients at the Edward Hines VA Spinal unit; the Fisher House at the Edward Hines VA Hospital complex; several Illinois State veteran homes; the Veteran Homeless Shelter in Wheaton; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for children in Michigan. 

Of course, the amounts vary yearly depending upon total donations. More funds translate into increased support for the above.  Very important consideration here dear readers- a local post cannot utilize monies derived from poppy sales for post expenses.  Monies from poppy sales are dedicated for veterans or their families in need.

How does all this info pertain to my opening success story?

For all who were thoughtful, generous and supportive during the days of May 22, 23 and 24,  the members, their families and friends  of VFW Post 10778, were able to collect a bit over $12,000!

Recipients of these efforts will be the above agencies including several local vets and families.

All this because the everyday people who are our neighbors, friends, business owners, students, anybody and most everybody- supported those veterans who stood at the corners, intersections and store fronts.

The success story belongs to the generous donors, those dedicated individuals collecting and the agencies providing assistance to our vets.

Chuck Bosko