Youth Activities - Spread Holiday Cheer!

Joan Penney
2015-2016 Youth Activities
National Ambassador

Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is just a few weeks away! Please take the time to watch this touching two-minute Christmas advertisement, “Man on the Moon.” (Warning – tissues needed!)

I think this must be how many people feel this time of year. Not just older veterans, but shut-ins and even some young service members. Contact your local VA facility, veterans’ home and/or medical facility and find out who could use some extra cheer this holiday season. Ask youth in your community to help Auxiliary members bring a smile to those who need it by:

• Decorating for a holiday party or meal
• Serving at a holiday party or meal
• Caroling or other musical performance
• Dancing or other dramatic performance
• Making crafts
• Visiting with them
• Sending cards
• And more!

There is still time to schedule and carry out these activities!

Not only can you invite youth to help your Auxiliary spread cheer, you can bring cheer to youth in your area by hosting a holiday party for children and/or families of veterans and active-duty service members.

Need some inspiration? Check out our All About Christmas/Winter Pinterest Page for more than 150 crafting, decorating and party game ideas!

Some other ways to involve youth:
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7)
Invite the Post/Auxiliary or District Voice of Democracy winner to read FDR’s “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy.” 
• Ask Drama/Theater/Forensic students if they are interested in performing at your Post or Auxiliary event.
• Invite students to participate in a Stand Down.

I was honored to be asked to be the Youth Activities National Ambassador, but I am just the conduit, YOU are the ones actively involving youth in your Auxiliaries. Thank you for continuing to promote the Auxiliary through working with youth. You are doing a fabulous job! A shout-out is due to the Auxiliary #5631, Sanford, North Carolina. They recently conducted a membership drive and included youth in the activity. Great job!

Thank you for all you do for veterans and youth across our nation! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!