Indiana Junior supports veterans through fundraising efforts

Posted On: Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Department of Indiana Junior member Grace Otey has been focused on raising funds for veterans since July 2024. 

Through discussing the fundraising project at ALA units and churches, as well as fundraising through raffles and painted glass bottles, Otey began with a goal of $10,000 but increased it to $25,000 as the project gained success over the months. Otey has raised over $20,000 as of press time. 

Otey’s special focus has been geared toward an organization in Indiana, Helping Veterans and Families (HVAF). 

“I have worked with them since I was 8 years old and have loved every minute of it,” she said. “HVAF was formed to help veterans reintegrate into society, but it has shifted to help veterans and their families when times get tough. I originally chose HVAF when I was 8 when I heard about the work they do. I thought it was really cool how much they do for those who gave so much for our country.”

It means “the world” to Otey to be helping HVAF in this way. 

“It is the least I can do to support an organization that helps the heroes of our country,” she said. “HVAF does so much for veterans and their families, with rehabilitation programs, job training, their food pantry, education programs, and career preparation with things like resumes and interview preparation. It is truly amazing and such an honor to be able to work so closely with such an extraordinary organization. The work they do always manages to blow me away. They even have military family events like Easter egg hunts and summer cookouts to offer community for veterans’ children and themselves.”

Otey said it’s important for the ALA to partner with other local organizations throughout the country to help our veterans in the most ways possible. 

“It’s important because it is the local organizations that know the true need and can help the most effectively,” she said. “HVAF, for example, works directly with veterans in the community and addresses their needs based off what the majority of veterans need and how to help them. Nothing beats hearing straight from those most closely involved with the veterans. And organizations like HVAF can’t do it alone — they need community support to continue helping veterans.”

Otey offers advice to other Juniors from her experience of helping HVAF. 

“I would advise Junior members to start small — don’t overwhelm yourself, especially if you’re young,” she said. “Start with small service projects — make cards to give to veterans at veterans homes or for Veterans Day, do bake sales and donate to one of the charities or organizations near you. Work your way up to the bigger stuff. Speeches can be scary, and some things are just too much for one person. No contribution is too little — do what you can do for your age and abilities. The best way to contact organizations is to get in contact with their community engagement or community representative teams: the people in charge of garnering support for an organization. They usually know best what is needed at a certain time. Just being present in community events, like bake sales or craft fairs and having a booth where you can sell something with the proceeds going toward your chosen organization is a great way to get people’s attention on your project simply due to exposure. Talk to people about what you’re trying to do — like your senior ALA members — they will be able to help you reach more people in your community.”

ALA Mission
Statement

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.