As we close out 2025, VFW Auxiliaries across Oregon demonstrated the strength of Veterans and Family Support through meaningful holiday outreach, adopted unit partnerships, and community-centered service. These efforts reflect the VFW Auxiliary’s continued commitment to supporting veterans, service members, and their families—especially during the holiday season.

Supporting Our National Guard Families

Several Oregon VFW Auxiliaries proudly supported National Guard Adopted Unit Christmas Parties, helping ensure that service members and their families experienced joy, appreciation, and a sense of belonging during the holidays. These events provided food, gifts for children, and meaningful moments of connection—reminding Guard families that their sacrifices are recognized and valued at home. At least 7 MAP Grants, ranging from $ 1,000 to $ 1,500, were received to help cover the cost of these events. Reports are still coming in.

Operation Homefront Toy Drive

Oregon VFW Auxiliaries volunteered over 800 hours, drove over 3200 miles in the month of December, collecting Toys from local Dollar Tree Stores and delivering them to Local Armories for Christmas stockings. The Salem National Guard Armory held its Annual Holiday Hoopla event, with military families traveling from around the state to meet Santa and receive items to put under their Christmas trees. Pictures of some of the events are on Facebook. 3 Auxiliary Members, including myself, attended the event and shared the different Grants, Scholarships, and Contests that the VFW Auxiliary programs provide, including SportClips Help a Hero, Financial Assistance for Service Members, Scholarships, and more

Fort Kennedy Christmas Drive

A special highlight of this season was the Fort Kennedy Christmas Drive, which brought together veterans, families, volunteers, and community partners to provide gifts, essential items, and holiday cheer to those in need. This effort exemplified what is possible when Oregon Auxiliaries collaborate with local organizations to extend support beyond the post and into the broader veteran community. Oregon Auxiliaries throughout the area reported supplying socks, food and warm items for the Christmas drive to help our homeless veteran population stay warm this year.

Moving Forward Together

The work of Oregon’s VFW Auxiliaries during December 2025 reflects the core values of service, compassion, and unity. Whether supporting a National Guard family, organizing a local drive, or volunteering behind the scenes, Auxiliaries across the state continue to strengthen veterans and their families—not only during the holidays, but year-round.

As we enter the new year, I want to thank every Auxiliary member, volunteer, and partner who made these efforts possible. Your dedication ensures that no veteran or military family stands alone.