The Operation Child Care Project has been selected by Department President Ashley Flores as her special project for the 2026–2027 administrative year. Reflecting her theme, “Growing Our Future to Honor Their Service,” this initiative supports the children and families of our nation’s military members while encouraging American Legion Auxiliary members—especially Juniors—to engage in meaningful service.

Military families often face unique challenges, including deployments, frequent relocations, financial pressures, and the ongoing need for affordable, quality child care. Through the Operation Child Care Project, members can help meet these needs by supporting child care centers, family readiness programs, and organizations that serve military children and their families.

Units are encouraged to participate by collecting books, educational supplies, games, and craft materials; creating activity kits for children of deployed parents; hosting family-friendly events; raising funds for child care assistance programs; and partnering with local American Legion posts and community organizations. Every act of kindness helps strengthen the support network for military families.

A special emphasis of this project is engaging Junior members. Through hands-on service, Juniors learn patriotism, compassion, volunteerism, and leadership while making a meaningful difference in the lives of military children. In doing so, they become the next generation of Auxiliary leaders dedicated to our mission of Service, Not Self.

The Operation Child Care Project reflects the American Legion Auxiliary’s commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, military families, and their children. Together, we are Growing Our Future to Honor Their Service—one child, one family, and one act of service at a time.