Learn more about the Auxiliary Emergency Fund

By Margee Keller

CROOKSTON — The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) is a national grant assistance program that provides temporary emergency assistance to eligible members of the American Legion Auxiliary who have endured a significant financial setback as the result of an act of nature or other personal crisis.

Members helping members — that’s the American Legion Auxiliary’s mission of “Service Not Self in Action.”

Hard times can fall upon us at any moment. That’s when the American Legion Auxiliary is committed to help.

AEF was established in 1969. Five decades later, the AEF is still helping fellow Auxiliary members get back on their feet. Since the Auxiliary Emergency Fund was established, more than $6 million has been awarded to more than 6,500 members.

Learn more at AEF@ALAforVeterans.org. Applications are now only processed online at www.mnala.org. Go to forms for the ALA Emergency Fund Application.

Temporary assistance is considered under the following guidelines:

  • Members whose dues are current and have maintained their dues for three consecutive years are eligible to apply. One grant per grantee in a 12-month period will be awarded.
  • Natural disaster or weather emergencies leave a member without shelter or food.
  • Financial crisis hits — leaving a member without resources for shelter, food, or utilities, and there is no source of assistance available.
  • Extreme circumstances: educational training who is lacking the necessary skills for employment.
  • Maximum award is $2,400 on a case by case basis.
  • Funds cannot be used for medical expenses or debts such as credit cards.
  • The grant committee directs payments to a provider such as a utility or mortgage company.

Silent Auction

The annual Silent Auction will be bigger and better than ever. We hope we can count on you!

Thursday, Oct. 26 through Saturday, Oct. 28. We will be open for set up by 3 p.m. Funds raised will benefit our Auxiliary Emergency Fund coffers. Please bring items to donate such as theme baskets, patriotic items, quilts, pictures, jewelry items, jams, jellies, munchies, pies, bake goods, etc. The list is endless. Just use your imagination.

We will again have $2 grab bags. I will have available paper bags so bring along those small items as well. So far, we have one generous donor of some large pictures — of watercolor, wildlife, etc.

Also, remember to bring donations of monies from individual members, units and districts. A special thank you gift will be given to individuals donating $50 or more. Also, we will be doing a district challenge. Challenge will be posted at the auction.

Results of auction will be shared on Saturday morning.