Through the initiative of its posts, The American Legion consistently contributes to the nation’s quality of life through a variety of programs and endeavors to make American communities better places in which to live. Responding to specific local needs, American Legion posts will be found placing special emphasis on the organization of safety-first campaigns, the elimination of fire hazards, the establishment of playgrounds, ..the building of living memorials, etc.
The most recent American Legion activities report (55 percent of the posts reporting) shows that in one year’s time the value of community service activities by American Legion posts topped $6.6 million. Here are some other results taken from the most recent report as of August 20.
| Hours giving to Community Service | 3,817,878 |
| Cash aid given to needy children | $3,121,454 |
| Goods given to children & youth | $2,304,390 |
| Volunteer hours at VA Hospitals (VAVS) | 996,804 |
| Cash contributions to VAVS | $2,224,286 |
| Pints of blood given | 84,073 |
| Rehabilitation cases handled | $141,149 |
| Cost of community service | $6,627,119 |
| Cost of scholarships given | $4,396,835 |
Contributions
| United Fund | $241,851 |
| Red Cross | $335,834 |
| Cancer Research | $696,291 |
| Handicapped children | $408,840 |
| All other charities | $9,454,515 |