The Paynesville American Legion Auxiliary volunteers will distribute the familiar red hand crafted poppies on Friday and Saturday, May 14 and 15, Poppy Days.Posters made by Paynesville fifth graders proclaiming American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Days are on display in local store windows.
The auxiliary selected two posters to advance to the next level of competition. Winners were Breana Kochmann(left), first place, and Cody Block (right), second place. Project advisor for the poster contest was Trish Skahan.
All proceeds received during Poppy Days are invested in programs for the benefit of the veterans and their families.
Each poppy is made by veterans in auxiliary sponsored poppy shops that supplement physical and psychological therapy needed by hospitalized and disabled veterans. The veterans make the poppies and are paid a small amount for each one.
No matter what the cost of maintaining and supplying the poppy shops, the memorial poppy is never sold, but given in exchange for a donation.
"Wear your poppies proudly. We are proud of our veterans and this is one way of showing them we care," Lois Nehring (above center), poppy chairperson, said.