American Legion Auxiliary
District 26 of San Mateo County
2023 Auxiliary's Season of Giving
VA's Toys For Vets
December 2023. U105 Redwood City wrapped free gifts for VA patients. This yearly event supports veterans with various issues--PTSD, homelessness, drug addiction, hearing impairment, etc. L-R: Pauline, Joyce, Peggy, Cindy, Arlene and George.
December 2023. District 26 (as represented by U105) returns to the VA for the first time since 2019. Though the District continued to fulfill patient gift wishlists from 2020 to 2022, the pandemic prevented us from entering the building due to the compromised health of the patients. GS Troop 61740 is represented by Ana (2nd from left) and her mom Lena (far left). Ana and her sister Lindsey donated 1000 face masks to U105 in July 2020. U105 was warmly greeted by 103-year-old Mr. Perez. He, along with other veterans, expressed their gratitude and joy in being remembered by the Auxiliary. Several of them were so surprised to received their gift because they didn't recall being asked for a wish list. Video link of volunteers and staff.
District 26's holiday gifts with VA Rec Staff Kim, Irene and Rishoo. D26 President Peggy (2nd from left) and D26 VA&R Deputy Arlene (far right).
College Park Girl Scouts Troop 61740 donated 80 handmade holiday cards.
December 2023. District 26 collected gifts for the Adopt-a-Vet program at Bldg. 331 of the VA-Menlo Park. All six Units were given veteran patient wish lists to fulfill.
Pictured are members from Unit 82 San Mateo, Unit 105 Redwood City, Unit 238 Pacifica, and Unit 585 San Carlos. Unable to attend but contributed are Unit 472 George Tadlock eUnit and Unit 474 Coastside.
In Memoriam
December 19, 2023. We sadly report the passing of D26 & Unit 238 eldest member, Doretta Youngdahl, age 101. Her family has requested that any donations be made in her memory to the Pacifica Senior Services, 540 Crespi Dr, Pacifica CA 94044 where she was an active participant up until the end.
Support the Auxiliary's
GIRLS STATE
our renown leadership program
Giving Thanks to a Veteran
November 2023. As our nation pauses for our Thanksgiving holiday, remember our veterans who've sacrificed so much of themselves for our country. This sweet video of WWII veteran Frank Grassburger, 95, demonstrates how a simple act of kindness can impart a lasting effect in a life. Happy Thanksgivings from the members of District 26.
Veterans Day in Redwood City
November 2023. Post 105 Family hosted its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Courthouse Square in RWC. Dignitaries included Congressman Kevin Mullin (Dist 15, front right), State Sen. Josh Becker (center row, center), Redwood City Council members Mayor Gee, Elmer Martinez Saballos (3rd row, left) & Kaia Eakin (2nd row, in blue), San Mateo County Veterans Commissioner Vaillancourt (4th row, center), and Foster City Councilwoman & Aux member Stacy Jimenez (2nd row, center). Thanks go to the Int'l Brotherhood of Electrical Workers staged & who set up canopies, chairs, and electrical equipment.
Post 105 Family includes Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and American Legion Riders. Front row includes two TAL Boys & Girls State citizens and three Aux Girls State Citizens.
Enjoy Discounts & Freebies on Sat.
November 2023. As this special holiday approaches, please remind your veteran that they can enjoy some local delectable benefits. Three cheers for our veterans for their service to our country.
Peggy accepts her award from San Mateo County Commissioner Hank Scherf.
San Mateo County Veterans Commission: 2023 Patriot of the Year
November 2023. Congratulations to District 26 President & U105 Girls State Chair Peggy Toye for being named Patriot of the Year. She joins Post 105 members in being honored by the Commission: 2022 Patriots Wendy Weller/Andrew Trapani & 2018 Patriot Brenda Ternullo and 2022 Veteran of the Year George Smith, 2019 Veteran Leo McArdle, and 2017 Veteran Romie Bassetto.
D26 Loses Long-time Donor
October 2023. We lost a dedicated Auxiliary friend. Graciela W passed away unexpectedly this month. Graciela's relationship with the Auxiliary and VA started with a phone call to her employer in 2016, soliciting gift cards for VA patients. She soon melded her hobby of crocheting with the needs of patients and homeless veterans. In the six years of our friendship with Graciela, she's donated upward of 500 pieces of her craft. Her warmth, friendship and kindnesses are terribly missed.
Graciela volunteering at 2018 Legion VA BBQ
2016: 100 hats donated to VA Bldg 331 patients & Chapel and CSM Vet Resource Center
2019: VA resident modeling Graciela's handiwork
2018: Gift bags for homeless female veterans
Packing Day benefiting Veterans & Deployed Soldiers
October 2023. The Redwood City Elks Lodge #1991 invited community teams to assist in packing 300 care boxes for deployed soldiers and 200 care bags for in-need veterans. Oh boy, did the volunteers turn out to help the Elks. Represented were the American Legion Auxiliary Units 105 Redwood City & 585 San Carlos, Boy Scouts, National Charity League, San Mateo County Blue Star Moms, and Young Men Service League. Center front: organizers Tom Giannini and Carol Bagley.
U105 Redwood City's Pauline walks through the gauntlet to fill her care box.
U585 San Carlos lunching after a morning's work.
P105 Partakes in SOS Breakfast & then Hits the Streets
October 2023. A busy morning for Post 105 family members as they enjoyed a delicious military stable: the SOS breakfast. Chef Leo, his wife Carol M, Commander George, Andrew & Patrick served up eggs, meat gravy over toast, and beverages. Afterwards, Boy Scouts Troop 10 and members fanned out to downtown Redwood City and El Camino Real to ask merchants to display our VETERANS DAY CEREMONY flyer on their storefronts and notified specific businesses about street closures for November 11.
Unit 472 Teas Up a Party
October 2023. A TEA-rrific Idea! The George Tadlock eUnit 472 held its first virtual Tea Party which was a sipping success. Invitations with a bag of tea (pictured) were mailed to all Unit members who were asked to share with prospective members, attend via Zoom, and make a donation. Ladies attended wearing brew-tiful hats with teacups in hand! Hope it won't be oolong before they chai this party again. The fundraiser netted a good sum for the pot. Instead of 'thumbs up, ladies,' it's 'PINKIES UP!'
Units Hears Girls State Citizens Report
U474 Coastside Meets Citizen
September 2023. Unit 474 Coastside members heard about CA Girls State (CAGS) experiences from Catalina, their Half Moon Bay High Girls State Citizen. To complete their obligation to the program, students are expected to report back to their sponsoring Unit after competing CAGS. Seated in black are officers 1st VP Susan, President Marylan, and Treasurer Jane.
Unit 105 fêtes Girls State Citizens
August 2023. The young ladies spoke about the CAGS' welcoming, inclusive and sharing culture juxtaposed with a rigorous & invigorating curriculum of the election process (signature gathering/verification to speeches), mock trial, and collaboration.
The Auxiliary funds the CA Girls State Program; this year's class included 450 students. Every Unit in District 26 partners with local high schools. Please support your local Unit's program with fund donations and/or volunteering as a Liaison--a rewarding, inspirational experience mentoring these youths during their session. Photo by William Jackson, Jr.
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Informative Resources
especially for
WOMEN VETERANS
~ Public Event ~
VETERANS WELCOMED
This flyer posted as a courtesy
to the
Peninsula Special Interest
Lions Club
of Foster City
Wreaths Across America
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Opportunity to honor Veterans and support San Mateo County Blue Star Moms. Link to purchase wreath(s) or donate for Dec. 16, 2023 ceremony.
SAN MATEO COUNTY VETERANS RECOGNITION LUNCHEON
To register: https://bit.ly/45JAwN9
Captioned Telephones Available
August 2023. Cap Tel Outreach Educator Elizabeth Murphy spoke to Post 105 members re the benefits & availability of this interactive device for the hearing impaired. "Heroes with Hearing Loss" equipment available for free for veterans with hearing loss. Commander's Coffee Cap Tel video available here.
As a service to our community, all D26 Legion Family members are welcomed to join Post 105 at the Commander's Coffee: last Wednesday of the month (9am-12noon) for coffee, light pastries and TBD 10am speaker. Check our D26 Calendar for speaker details. Photo by Carol R.
Ways to Help Veterans: Volunteers Represented
August 2023. City, county, state & federal agencies came out in force to provide information & benefit referrals for veterans at the "VA Menlo Park 100" celebration. Congresswoman Eshoo gifted a flag flown over the nation's capitol to the VA facility. Keynote Speakers Brandon McGlone & Octavia Green spoke eloquently of the positive reception, guidance and care provided by the VA-MP staff when they sought assistance for PTSD.
Multiple orgs approached D26 about collaborating on projects or inviting us to their events: VA's Women's Veterans Program, PGA Hope, State of CA Dept. of Rehabilitation, Team Red, White & Blue, San Mateo Elks Lodge, and more. It's gratifying to see robotic therapy dogs D26 donated in March 2021 (see picture carousel) are still in use. Photos by Peggy T.
Aug 19: volunteers needed @VA-MP
Legion Family Members: Contact your Unit's VA&R Deputy to sign up as a volunteer.
General Public: Use the QR code or contact info in the flyer.
Oct 21: volunteers needed @RWC Elks Lodge
Volunteers needed; see flyer for details.
Fundraiser Luncheon available. To RSVP for the lunch, use this Eventbrite link OR reserve your lunch via this form.
August 2023. Girls Nation. Published in San Mateo Union High School monthly newsletter.
D26's GIRLS NATION Senator
August 2023. Unit 585 San Carlos' Aragon High's Girls State Citizen, Enya, was selected as one of two Senators to represent California at this year's GIRLS NATION (last week of July) in Washington, DC. We are so proud of our local representative of civic engagement, scholastic excellence, and community service. Congratulations to Enya and Unit 585. Thank you, Gina and Anna, for managing U585's Girls State program.
Upcoming Dates
to
Consider
*Note: Sep 23 is also the Dept.'s Northern CA Workshop
Jeanne Matysiak: Celebration of Life
Event Date: August 12, 2023. Friends are welcomed to attend the Celebration of Life honoring Jeanne. Jeanne was an active member of her Unit and community.
11am: St. Andrews Church, 1125 Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica
12-2pm: Community gather with light refreshments
Independence Day for the District
July 2023. U105 & P105 donated $750 to sponsor July 4 BBQ meals for VA Bldg. 331 patients, our adopted bldg. It's been three long years since Covid hit and the Legion family prohibited from hosting onsite BBQs. The VA is open again for visitors so D26 hopes to resume our BBQs. Photo by VA Rec Therapist Irene.
P105: Bob 102-YO, Cliff 92-YO
P105: Vaugh, James, LaReine, Ken
P105: Sandy, Carol B, Tom G, Susan
P105: LaReine, Valerie, Jack
P585: Anthony
U585: Terry
P585: Rick & Bonnie
Post 105's Float Participants
P105: Tom & William
P105 horsing around
P105: Carol B, Tom G
P105's Float
Are You from Girls State?
The Auxiliary's CA Girls State (CAGS) launched it's 80th Session!
June 2023. We're happy to report one of two senators representing CA at Girls Nation is from D26; Enya was chosen by U585 San Carlos to represent their Unit and Aragon High.
The majority of counselors are returning CAGS Citizens who want to pass it forward to the next generation of leaders. Counselors cover the educational component of civic duties such setting up a city government, election requirements, verifying signatures, and maintaining a supportive, inclusive culture. Photos by Peggy T.
“Thank you SO much for granting me the opportunity to come to Girls State!!! I have learned so much about who I want to be…and couldn’t be happier. I have learned not only to be a leader but a supporter of others, and to find the joy and happiness in others’ success. I have come to realize the amount of volunteering, fundraising, work and effort you all have put in not only to me but to our veterans. I couldn’t have been happier here; I love the girls here and am so honored! Thank you all again.”
Service Project: "Letters from Home"
One of the most emotional connections for soldiers deployed are the letters from family & friends. Honor Flights is a free program for veterans to travel back to Washington, DC to visit the war memorials. This year's CAGS Service Project was creating "letters from home" to Honor Flight passengers--notes of appreciation from CAGS Citizens and optional small gift card donation. The 500+ cards will be distributed this fall at six different hubs. This year, ALA Liaisons took the lead in organizing the Service Project in order to relieve the CAGS staff of an additional responsibility. The notecards were purchased/donated by Units 105 Redwood City, 238 Pacifica, District 26, and Bea Gunn (U82 CAGS Chair). Thanks to the Liaisons who took on this project: D26 President Peggy T (lead), Noella P, Donna C, and Sherry C.
Girls & staff braved the 95*F heat to complete the project within an hour. All envelopes included a poppy and gift card. Photo by C. McReynolds
"Waterfall, waterfall, shhhhh," said Liaison Peggy. That's how 450 students quieted within seconds to hear about their Service Project task. Photo by C. McReynolds
2023 80th CAGS Session: cards of gratitude for veterans' service.
Mail Call was the 20th century soldier's social media.
2023 Service Project: Letters from Home--Mail Call
Students were asked to imagine being a soldier only a few years old than them, away from home, and their only connection to family, friends and home was Mail Call. Above are samples of the hundreds of notecards collected last week. Photo by C. McReynolds
2023 Convention: All Aboard the Friendship Train, Helping Veterans
June 2023. Dept. President Glenda Schultz's theme this year is "United as One" and her motto is "California, the Golden State." Photos provided by Peggy T.
Ceremony Remembering the Bataan Death March
June 2023. A newly-released video of the April ceremony remembering the 81st anniversary of the Bataan Death March was released. Post 105 American Legion Riders participated as the firing detail. As stated in the video's description: "The 81st commemoration of the Bataan Death March was held at the San Francisco national cemetery. Friends and family of Filipino and American soldiers were joined by numerous city officials and military personnel who remember the brave sacrifices that were made during World War II. Cecilia Gaerlan of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society and daughter of a Bataan Death March survivor organizes this annual celebration and says the lessons learned from the past are still important today."
Introducing D26 Officers for 2023-2024
June 2023. D26 officers were sworn in by U474 President Marylan Askins. Between these ladies, there is over 42 years of volunteer experience with the Auxiliary. These ladies hold dual roles/responsibilities with their home Unit and the District! ALA motto: Service, Not Self.
President
Peggy Toye U105 Redwood City Girls State Chairwoman
1st Vice Pres.
Bonnie Shrier U585 San Carlos 1st Vice President
2nd Vice Pres.
Cindy McReynolds U105 Redwood City Secretary
Secretary
Susan Schabinger U474 Coastside 1st Vice President
Treasurer
Brenda Ternullo U105 Redwood City Treasurer
Chaplain
Janice Key U238 Pacifica President
In Memoriam
May 2023. It is with profound sadness that we report the unexpected passing of Unit 238 Pacifica's Jeanne Matysiak. Jeanne was an active member of her Unit--providing service as Secretary and years serving as their Girls State Chairwoman. In addition, she ably served Post duties with care & kindness. Her influence in the community was wide and varied--Jefferson High School Board District Trustee, Girl Scouts of America, two quilting organizations, and more. A 'Celebration of Life' is planned in August. Details to follow.
D26 Annual ALA Girls State Tea 2023
May 2023. the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) District 26 hosted its annual ALA California Girls State (CAGS) Tea for Delegates & Alternates to hear details about this prestigious week-long June leadership and civic engagement conference held in Sacramento. ALA District 26 covers a large swath of high schools, represented here are: Burlingame, Capuchino, Credo, Half Moon Bay, Henry Gunn, Hillsdale, John F. Kennedy, Notre Dame Belmont, Nueva, Oceana, Pacific Bay Christian, Rancho Cotate, Sacred Heart Prep, San Mateo, Scotts Valley, Technology, and Woodside. Some high schools are not pictured as their student could not attend this year's Tea. Only one rising senior may represent each school.
Student engagements examples: harness energy from door swings to charge a battery; volunteer for Wildlife Center & Hearts of Africa, food banks, Boys & Girls Club & clothing collection, ACEing Autism; create EnviroScore app to measure one's environmentally-friendly acts; and built safe roads in Costa Rica. Outside organizations included Naval Sea Cadets Corps, Boy Scouts of America, and internships at universities.
Since San Francisco District 8 does not hold their own Tea, SF Delegates were invited to D26's Tea this year. Pictured above with students are American Legion SF Cathay Post 384 Commander Helen Wong and District 26 Commander Patricia Coons. For more info, CA.Aux.District26@gmail.com. Photographer: K. Toye
CAROUSELS OF PICTURES - Click right-left arrows on pictures for more views
Auxiliary Units & High Schools. Outdoor photographs include District President & District Commander
Why We're Here--Honor our Veterans & Serving Military Families
Special Guests & Speakers
Citizen refers to an individual who finished the CAGS Program.
Delegates meeting & exchanging contact info
Delegate refers to a student before completing her CAGS program.
MEET THE DELEGATES & ALTERNATES
ALA Members raise the funds to host ALA Girls State
ALA Liaisons are onsite at CA Girls State to teach about the ALA programs and provide support to students & the counseling staff.
Proud Parents & Guardians being acknowledged
To learn more about the Auxiliary's California Girls State program or to donate, contact CA.Aux.District26@gmail.com
This section's
photographs contributed
by
William Jackson, Jr.
Every Auxiliary Meeting
May 2023. Tradition and ceremony stand firm. At meetings all over the country, every Auxiliary Unit starts its meeting with an opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and the recital of the ALA's Preamble. San Carlos Unit 585 is no different. Pictured are members reciting the Preamble during the District President's annual visit.
Memorial Garden
May 2023. At your next opportunity when visiting Post 474 Coastside (Half Moon Bay), check out their relaxing and nicely appointed garden. It provides a quiet space for reflection and pensive moments. Click on the picture for a link to a short video of the garden.
May 6, 2023. District 26 Lunch. After our monthly meeting every other month, members are welcomed to partake in lunch at a nearby restaurant of the hosting Unit. We're enjoying Half Moon Bay today.
Get Your Panda On!
May 2024. Help the nation's first virtual American Legion Auxiliary Unit by purchasing your lunch or dinner online!
Pull down the History tab to check out Unit 472's past chartiable projects.
Volunteers on Saturday hail from: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 105 Redwood City, National Charity League, Young Men’s Service League, Foresters Financials, Sorority Beta Sigma Phi’s local chapter Xi Pi Delta & Nation’s Finest.
Blue Star Moms Get Packing
On April 29 with a plethora of helping hands from the community, SM County Blue Star Moms supplied the food stuff and hygiene goods for 150 care boxes and 150 care bags. Recipients will include soldiers, at-risk veterans, SM County Veterans Services, Nation’s Finest, Operation Care & Comfort, and VA-Menlo Park Bldg. 360. National Charity League young ladies were also approached about applying for the Auxiliary GIRLS STATE in the future.
Auxiliary & friends opening snack supplies
Young Men's Service League readies his boxes for closure
Celebrating Holi
April 2023. Unit 105 member & Foster City Councilwoman Stacy Jimenez enjoyed Holi, the Hindu festival of color, love and spring with District 13 State Senator Josh Becker as noted in his monthly email to constituents.
Unit 472 celebrates Military Appreciation with purple. Diane in upper left corner. Unfortunately, three members needed to leave before this screenshot was taken.
U472 Rocks on Zoom
April 2023. Auxiliary's first eUnit gets it done with style, efficiency and enthusiasm. Monthly meetings are held via Zoom since members are located in CA, HI, NY, CO, TX, and more. The long distance doesn't deter them from donating backpacks filled with supplies for military kids; having multiple ALA CA Girls State (CAGS) counselors, volunteers, CAGS Director & CAGS Chairwoman; giving gift cards to military personnel; sending handwritten messages to deployed troops; and fun social events--Online Painting Party fundraiser & Ugly Holiday Sweater event.
Member of the Month: treasurer Diane Rapport. This recognition program highlights member contributions towards the Unit's success. Diane's nomination submittal read: "Diane has been working tirelessly to process new memberships, Girls State payments, and other payments and donations, complete the monthly financial reporting and her end-of-year reporting, and more. She ensures important action items and deadlines haven't missed the Unit’s radar, is been a great sounding board, and works continuously behind the scenes to ensure our Unit runs smoothly and meets all District, Department, and IRS requirements and deadlines. She is always humble, helpful, fun, and has a great story to share. She is a joy to work with, and I'm proud to nominate her as our first Member of Month."
The 'Inaugural Member Spotlight' is an effort to learn more about members, increase familiarity, and reinforce the sense of community for the Unit. New member Lauren's infectious energy and effervescent personality fits the bill as Member Spirit Chair & Director of Awesomeness!
2022 Ugly Sweater Party pictured below.
Dept. News Hub Feb/Mar 2023
March 2023. District 26 was featured multiple times in the Department's Feb/March newsletter. See pages 6, 7 and 8. Apr/May 2023 edition is online now.
In Memoriam
February 2023. Unit 82 San Mateo lost one of its long-time member. Tita Teeley, ever the sweet and effervescent personality, passed away this month. She was past Sgt.-at-Arms and preceded in death by her husband, Post 82 Commander Emeritus John Teeley.
Thanking VA Staff with a Pizza Party
The Auxiliary was asked to help serve a free pizza lunch sponsored by the VA for the entire VA staff of Menlo Park. Staff lined up to the left.
February 2023. What you see is only half the pizza! To the right are D26 President & 2nd Vice President, Peggy & Cindy, respectively.
Front row: U105 associates; back row: P105 Legionnaire Michael and friends.
"Something Rotten" in San Mateo
February 2023. Nope, not Denmark. Unit 105 and friends attended San Mateo High's musical production of "Something Rotten"--the tale of two brothers competing with their literary nemesis, William Shakespeare. Tap dancers, singers and amazing set designs provided a fun social outing for our party of 10.
Girl Scouts Deliver
February 2023. College Park Girl Scouts Troop 61740 continues their four-year partnership with the Auxiliary. Unit 105 Redwood City delivered the Troops' 30 St. Valentine's Day gift bags to veteran residents at VA-Menlo Park Bldg. 331. For more info: peggy.aux.U105[at]gmail.com.
St. Valentine's Day gift bags included puzzles, pen/notepad, sweet & savory snacks, hand sanitizer and handmade flowers.
VA Recreational Therapist Kimberly accepts gifts.
Pictured: Treasurer Brenda, 1st Vice Arlene, Secretary Susan, Chaplain Janice, 2nd Vice Cindy, and President Peggy.
District 26 Officers
February 2023. D26 had its monthly meeting at Post 238 Pacifica and enjoyed a casual, social lunch afterwards at Sparks Restaurant at the golf course across the way. On a regular basis, D26 Units rotate hosting duty. Pacifica hosts again in March followed by U474 Coastside (Half Moon Bay) for April & May.
Every Dog has Her Day
January 2023. Post 105's Commander's Coffee hosted Warrior Canine Connection for an informative demo of their 501 (c)(3) non-profit program--veterans helping veterans. Vets dealing with PTSD find healing in training assistance dogs; the dogs will eventually be homed with other veterans in need of an assistance dog. The Commander's Coffee is a monthly social, fourth Wednesday at 9am, and occasionally features speakers or learning opportunities.
Pictured with Post 105 members are Shay seated on Alexis (CA Program Mgr), Ketcher in black mask (Training Instructor) and Kacie kneeling (PAWS Coordinator/Champion). Photo by C. Rael
Hearts for Humanity Clothing
January 2023. Unit 105 delivered to Hearts for Humanity a carload of clothing Legionnaire Leo McArdle collected. Hearts for Humanity is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit helping the unhoused including our Veterans. Pictured are Stan (formerly unhoused) and Deborah Orler, founder of Hearts for Humanity. Photo by Carol Rael.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - Day of Service
Unit 472's Kimberly MacKinney (pictured) and Val Hardy donated blood at the Blood of the Martyrs Blood Drive.
District President (U105 2nd Vice) Peggy spent an additional day as business mentor for her robotics team, Robotic Eagles, as they prepare for competition in March.
January 17, 2023. U472 President Kerry and daughter Marissa performed street cleanup on this day of service.
2022 Holiday Season of Giving & Cheer
Units 472 & 585 Celebrate with Ugly Sweater Night
December 2022. Unit 472 was the nation's first virtual Unit. Being miles & states apart didn't stop them from having fun with an Ugly Sweater party. Thanks, Kerry (U472 President), for sharing the picture!
Lloyd J. Tobey American Legion Post & Unit 585 ring out the new year with a sweater party.
Matt and Bonnie may have won this year's contest.
December 2022. Ugly sweaters, anyone? Unit and Post 585 of San Carlos pulled out all the stops (and sweaters) for their contest. Happy Holidays, everyone, from District 26! Bonnie's the 'light' of the party.
December 23, 2022. Members of U82 & U105 volunteered & manned informational tables publicizing the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons & Riders.
Hosted by John Helin, 2018 San Mateo County Patriot of the Year, as a gift to the ~300 veterans who attend this annual, festive event. (Photo by G. Schweid)
VA Annual "Toys for Vets" Program -- It's a Wrap
December 2022. Due to a mishap with the usual toy donor, expected donations were not to be had for Toys for Vets (T4V). Through generous donations from our six Units, Post 105, CA Girls State Dept. Committee officers, and personal friends, we were able to purchase $1800+ worth of toys to the Veterans Affairs-Menlo Park T4V program. In addition, the 'Foster City Buy Nothing' community, Marine Corps League, and Marine's Toys for Tots also donated gifts. In-house patients submitted their list of 70 children they'd needed gifts for. Volunteers from Unit 105 and Bank of America selected gifts, wrapped & labeled patient family bundles, and delivered the bundles to multiple buildings on campus.
The District was informed of the dearth of toys on Wednesday, December 14; that night solicitations were made to the Auxiliary, Posts (via the ALA), and local communities. By Sunday morning, we were buying toys with pledged funds and receiving drop-off toys. This three-day collection for T4V embodies our District's synergy of working together to fulfill our mission of helping veterans and military families. As often stated at Girls State, "we make it work."
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America
December 17, 2022. Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, CA. So many volunteers took time to place wreaths--Blue Star Moms, American Legion family, Veterans of Foreign Wars, US Volunteers, Boy Scouts, and more. (Photo by A. Napitan)
American Legion Riders - Bay Area members
December 16-17, 2022. ALR escorted the Walmart trucks to the cemetery on Friday and participated in the flag line at GG Nat. Cemetery on Saturday. (Photo by K. Toye)
December 2022. U472 junior member Marissa (and her mother Kerry, not pictured) participated in Wreaths Across America at Rest Haven Funeral Home and Cemetery in Rockwall, TX. Read about Marissa's brother's Civil Air Patrol Squadron to the right.
December 2022. News from U472, our e-Unit. The Civil Air Patrol squadron coordinated participants including the Auxiliary Unit 472, American Legion (AL), AL Riders, Trail Life, Boys Scouts, and American Heritage Girls. It's believed the Girl Scouts put up the wreaths that were placed on the easels during the ceremony. (At the time of posting, the identity of the Riders was not granted.)
A Plethora of Gifts & Seasons Greetings
December 2022. District 26's Annual Holiday gift collection went without a hitch. Pictured in the right carousel are Veterans Affairs & Rehab Deputy Arlene (R) accepting 30 fleece blankets made by Federated Women's Club of San Carlos' Mary (L). FWCSC president Donna (center) also presented a generous donation to D26 to benefit veterans at the VA Menlo Park facility. Not in D26's picture are members of eUnit 472 (scattered over several states) who annually mail to us their gift card donations. D26 & Unit photos by Carol Rael.
VA Appreciation
January 2023. Recreation Therapists Irene and Rishoo sent their thanks for our holiday gifts.
Colma Veterans Village
Unit 238 Pacifica (left) annually collects gifts, household goods (paper products, cleaning supplies, and food pantry items for residents at Mercy House's Colma Veterans Village (CVV) in San Bruno. In addition, Unit 82 San Mateo drops off donations on a monthly basis to CVV. If you'd like to donate supplies or monetary support, please contact us at CA.Aux.District26@gmail.com.
FOSTER CITY GS TROOP 61829
"Happy holidays, Veterans, from Troop 61829." These Brownies have been working with the Auxiliary since 2019. This is their third year donating holiday card--2019, 2021, and 2022. Photo & video by L. Loui.
December 2022. The American Legion Auxiliary welcomes SAN MATEO TROOP 61802 for their contributions to Veterans and VA patients. In November, the youngsters visited Post 105 Redwood City to recognize Veterans. The Troop continued their community service by dropping off over 50 holiday cards to accompany the District's holiday gift collection. This marks the third Girl Scouts troop currently collaborating with Unit 105. The College Park San Mateo Troop is working on a project for early 2023.
Auxiliary Member elected to City Council of Foster City
December 2022. Congratulations to Unit 105 member Stacy Jimenez for her first election to the City Council of Foster City. Stacy serves as a Girls State Panelist, Vice Chairman of the City's Park & Rec Advisory Comm., long-time parent volunteer for San Mateo High School, local middle & elementary schools, attorney, and devoted mother/wife. Her family's military service dates (unbroken) back to the American Revolution.
A Veteran's Appreciation
December 2022. District Auxiliary received this sweet note from a veteran resident at VA-Menlo Park. This missive epitomizes the results of our holiday efforts. The Auxiliary makes a difference.
