Poppy Days coming Friday and Saturday

The American Legion across the country is celebrating Memorial Day weekend with its annual Poppy Days’ fundraiser Friday and Saturday, May 27-28.

Members of area American Legion Posts and their auxiliaries will be at major intersections and storefronts requesting donations in exchange for a red crepe paper poppy that was handmade by a hospitalized veteran. Monies are for programs that assist in the rehabilitation of veterans and support for their families. The hospitalized veterans who make the poppies earn a small wage that supplements their incomes and provides therapeutic benefits in their rehab programs.

Members of American Legion Post 208 in Arlington Heights are among those who will be out, providing financial aid to the three Chicago area VA hospitals.

To learn more about the mission and programs of the national American Legion and its auxiliary, visit americanlegion.org or arlingtonheightsamericanlegion.org.