The Homer American Legion Auxiliary Unit 290 has been recognized for their participation in the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Program.
The group attended the Department Convention in Springfield where they were awarded the best overall participation in the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Program. They were also awarded runner-up for best overall Community Service Project.
“These awards are given to the unity that does the most for the particular program throughout the State of Illinois,” said Kim Graham, Homer American Legion Auxiliary member.
The Homer American Legion Auxiliary does extensive work with the VA in Danville.
In August they held a pizza party for 13 veterans in a locked ward and staff members. The had 10 pizzas, 40 breadsticks, a tray of vegetables and dessert. They also played BINGO.
In July they passed out suckers for National Lollipop Day and celebrated National Ice Cream Day by helping serve ice cream floats.
They also collect items in early November that are givens to the VA in Danville to help support veterans and their needs.
They collect everything from toiletries to snack items.
They also help other groups and hold events that benefit Homer.
In July they mailed more than $5,000 worth of coupons to the air force base in Guam.
In May they held a smorgasbord after Homer American Legion’s Memorial Day service and served 125 people in an hour.
They also sponsor the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
Currently, the Homer American Legion Auxiliary is selling raffle tickets to be drawn at the Christmas in Homer event on December 1.
The first place prize is an Anderson AR-15 or $300 cash. The second place is 9 foot Kayak or $100 cash.
Tickets are $10 each and gun winner must have valid FOID card.
A second raffle is also being held where first prize is a dessert of the month where the winner gets a dessert each month for 12 months. The winner must live within 20 miles of Homer. Second Prize is a $50 gift card to Allen’s Farm Quality Meats and third place is $25 gift card to Casey’s.
Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased from any Homer Auxiliary Member.
As a community service project, proceeds from the raffle will be used to help erect a new pavilion at the playground at the Homer Village Hall.
