The VFW Auxiliary works to honor and a make a difference in the lives of veterans, service members and their families. Two ways we do this are through the VFW "Buddy”® Poppy Program and the VFW National Home.
The "Buddy”® Poppy & VFW National Home Program:
- Promotes and Supports the VFW "Buddy”® Poppy Program.
The VFW conducted its first poppy distribution before Memorial Day in 1922, becoming the first veterans’ organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The next year, the VFW decided that VFW "Buddy”® Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would be paid for their work. VFW "Buddy”® Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals, providing compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies. The poppy program also provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home for Children. Click HERE to watch a short video about the "Buddy”® Poppy.
- Promotes and Supports the VFW National Home.
For more than 90 years, the National Home has helped military and veteran families who need a fresh start. Families can live there rent-free for up to four years and have access to professional case management services, on-site licensed child care, life skills training, tutoring and other educational services as well as recreational and community service opportunities. Families find healing in a safe and peaceful environment of tree-lined streets, 42 single-family homes, facilities such as a gym, library, computer and science labs, day care center, playgrounds, fishing pond, hiking trails and more!
- Promotes the National Home Helpline
The National Home Helpline is the first step on the path to help for military and veteran families. This free service helps callers with pressing needs nationwide seek solutions in their own communities. The Helpline is answered by caring professionals M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern, except holidays. Messages left after hours and on weekends are answered the next business day. Contact the Helpline at 800.313.4200 or help@vfwnationalhome.org.
To order Poppies, you need to work with your Post -
**All Buddy Poppy Orders must now include a VFW Membership ID and shipped to a VFW Member.**
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Read more about the Buddy Poppy & National Home Program through the following reports from our 2024-25 WI Buddy Poppy/Natl Home Chair Sue Carlson.
National Award Forms
Buddy Poppy
National Home
