The American Legion has celebrated “April is Children & Youth Month” for the past 81 years. During this month of celebration, American Legion Family members are encouraged to show their local communities the Legion’s commitment to children and youth by hosting activities or by becoming involved in programs and organizations that support young people.
American Legion Post 176 in Monroe, Conn., is sponsoring this year’s Department of Connecticut’s Third District Walk-a-Thon to benefit Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC). The walk is open to the public and will be held April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Great Hallow Lake at Wolfe Park, 454 Purdy Hill Road. The walk around the lake is just over a mile and participants can make as many laps as they want. All donations benefit CCMC; last year the walk raised over $1,700.
The Department of Florida is hosting a Children & Youth picnic at Post 117 in Palm Bay April 6 from 12-6 p.m. The event will include food, carnival games, finger painting, a bounce house, dunk tank, 50/50 raffle and more.
There are many ways an American Legion post, Sons of The American Legion squadron or American Legion Auxiliary unit can observe “April is Children & Youth Month.” Ideas include:
– Invite an expert to present information about child safety or health;
– Sponsor a community project for children such as a craft or talent show;
– Host a family picnic, movie night; or
– Raise funds for the American Legion’s Child Welfare Foundation or Temporary Financial Assistance program, both of which support children.
For additional ideas on how to support and promote Children & Youth Month in your community, download a copy of the “April is Children & Youth Month” brochure, as well as the updated Children & Youth Department Chairman Program Guide. Legion Family members can promote Children & Youth Month awareness through their local newspapers, radio and TV stations, civic groups, schools, social media, and in conversations with other veterans and their families. Communities need to know that American Legion services are available and why young people matter so much to the Legion Family.
Please share on www.legiontown.org how your post, squadron or unit supported Children & Youth Month.
