American Legion Post 62

On the 5th of December, 2010, the American Legion Post 62 Ladies Auxiliary held their 3rd Annual Christmas Party for the children of deployed parents from Luke AFB. Each year, Luke AFB Family Services works with the Ladies Auxiliary on a list of families who have a deployed mother or father. This year, there were 30 to 35 families (approx 100 kids) who were interested in our party.

Elf volunteers showed up early to clean up, move tables, and hang or place decorations. 12 to 15 Elf ROTC students from Carl Hayden High School donated their time and energies to inflate balloons, capture stray balloons, and to run the always popular Arts & Crafts area.

And, speaking of balloons, a talented Elf member was there creating fun things out of balloons. I heard it through the Elf-vine that he also contributed $100 towards each family - a fine example of a season for sharing.

One special Elf donated 13 pizzas; while another Elf was in the kitchen cooking up hot dogs for those who didn't share a love for pizza. An ice cream station was also available for desert; letting the children create their own ice cream masterpieces.

Outside, we had a Petting Zoo which is always a popular attraction for kids of all ages…and some of the adults, too. One little girl didn't quite grasp the concept of petting; preferring instead to kick the animals. Although it was cute at the time, the animals did not agree and banned her to the outside of the cage.

Members from the Sun City Fire Department (EP-132) were on hand with one of their fire engines. Kids were able to ask the fire fighters questions about their jobs. They also got to play with some of the equipment; one of whom figured out how to activate the engine horn. This was a surprise to the fire fighters AND the one person unlucky enough to be in front of the truck when the horn was activated.

For entertainment, a local magician was on hand. The children enjoyed helping him with his act; making birds appear out of thin air, or objects disappearing from their hands and reappearing from their ears. A ventriloquist also contributed to the show and brought along a few talking puppets. And, what would the party be without a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus who always seem to find the time in their busy schedule to visit the children at Post 62.

The Ladies Auxiliary wishes to thank all the Elf volunteers, as well as the monetary donations, that helped to make this year something special for the children of deployed family members from Luke AFB. Dave Broyles, Post 62 Historian