Patriotism Through Literacy

"How can we help kids to read more?” Every child is different, and it’s to be expected that some kids enjoy reading more than others.

So how can the Auxiliaries help? One of the simplest ways to get children to read more books is to have them available to them for free! A study from the University of Nevada shows that “children who own books read more often and perform better in school than those who do not”. An extremely easy way to get quality books for children to read is for your Auxiliary to start a VFW AUXILIARY LENDING LIBRARY (take a book, share a book)! If your Auxiliary starts a lending library, use the #auxlendinglibrary to promote what you are doing for the VFW Auxiliary project! Stock your library with the Patriotism Through Literacy reading list found on MALTA, under youth activities. There are books listed starting from Pre-K to 12th grade.

Another way to get books in the hands of youth is for the Auxiliary Youth Chairman to contact schoolteachers to see if they participate in the Scholastic Book Club. Find out how many kids are in the class or on virtual. Get with your Auxiliary to see if they would help with funds to purchase reading books for the students to take home. Auxiliary can hold a fundraiser to purchase them! With plenty of go od books in the hands of youth!

Who says reading material needs to come in book format? Magazines cover a wide variety of interests and provide a different kind of reading experience. The short format and high-interest stories might be exactly what children crave. Here are some popular magazines to try:

Sports Illustrated Kids, Kids Discover, National Geographic Kids, American Girl Magazine, Highlights, Cricket Magazines.

You can call the local library to set up date/time to have a story hour with children! September 7, 2026 is Labor Day! Labor Day was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894! We may know this but do our youth of today understand what Labor Day is? What a great way to get together with young people to teach them all about this holiday! At the same time having them package up boxes to send to oversea Military men and women. They will learn and experience what labor is. Seek out high school seniors that are preparing for college. High School seniors gaining volunteer experience to fulfill college credit requirements. And the plus, you may get them as new members! Show them, they will come.

Remember: “The Power of One” when teaching our youth about “Serving America’s Heroes”, can inspire a lifetime of gratitude, compassion, and commitment to those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Please contact me with any questions you may have. God Bless you all in everything you do for this awesome organization! Have a Happy and Safe Labor Day!