LADIES AUXILIARY

AMERICAN LEGION POST 186

PROGRAMS

The Girls State program offers high school students an opportunity to experience the workings of state and federal government functions including: leadership, patriotism, self-worth and confidence which helps prepare them to take their places as productive and successful members of our society. Entry forms are available at the high school guidance office each spring. Our unit is proud to sponsor 2 girls each year.

POPPY PROGRAM

Each year, our unit purchases poppies made by veterans. The poppies are then given away for a donation and all monies collected are in turn donated back to the veterans. We offer them at the post as well as other locations in the community. We are always pleased with the generous donations from the public.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

The Auxiliary is deeply concerned with America's children and young people. They represent our future. This past year the proceeds from our annual golf tournament were donated to The Horry County Shelter for children. We have also adopted a grandmother and her 2 grandsons, and at each meeting we collect groceries and household items to be given to this family. Each year our unit also holds an Easter egg hunt for the children in our local elementary special education program.

VETERANS AFFAIRS

In our National Veterans Affairs program, more than 100,000 hospital, field and home service volunteers give millions of hours to assist our veterans.  Here in our unit, our efforts include:

. collecting items and putting together ‘ditty’ bags for veterans. The bags are sewn by our unit members and filled with toiletries, writing paper and pencils, Christmas cards, and assorted other items. Lap robes are also made and these are distributed to our veterans in the VA hospital in Charleston

. collecting coupons and sending them to our overseas military families.

. several of our members also volunteer at our local VA Primary Health Clinic.

  COMMUNITY SERVICE

Our Auxiliary has always been involved with community service and supports many local community programs. This past year we donated more than $10,000 to Horry County Shelter, Mercy Hospice, CASA, Childrens Miracle Network, through a variety of fund raising events. These included a golf tournament, Murder Mystery Dinner, 50’s dance, Crafts Fair and raffles.  We also have adopted a family who we assist all year.

AMERICANISM

Each year, students from our local schools are eligible to submit their essays for review.  Essay subjects are determined and announced by Department Officials.  Students in grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 are eligible to enter.  Completed entries are reviewed by Unit members and 3 winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) are selected within each group.  U. S. Savings Bonds are awarded to each winner and their entries are then forwarded to the District for the next level of judging.

The Auxiliary has also participated in sending packages of "goodies" and phone cards to our active duty service men and women overseas.