More ways to help disabled veterans, families in need
The American Legion has expanded the ways in which participants in the second annual 100 Miles for Hope can support disabled veterans and military families in need.
American Legion National Commander James “Bill” Oxford has noted that the benefits of the challenge are two-fold. First, it helps individuals improve or maintain their fitness and wellness. Additionally, proceeds from registrations, purchases of special 100 Miles for Hope gear at Emblem Sales and donations support The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF).
For those who register with the Kilter app (click here to learn about the two options for signing up), the process to ask family members and friends to donate is easy. Details are explained here.
But starting immediately, The American Legion has expanded the ways in which you can connect with more donors and support more disabled veterans and military families via the Veterans & Children Foundation.
The options are:
1. Visit this special web page so that your donation to The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation counts toward the 100 Miles challenge.
2. Use your Facebook page. Follow these instructions or download this PDF that walks you through the steps:
a. After logging in to your personal Facebook page, go to www.facebook.com/fundraisers and select “nonprofit.”
b. You should see a box that says “Choose a nonprofit.” In the search bar, type in American Legion Charities. Click on American Legion Charities Inc. Please be sure to pick American Legion Charities Inc, NOT American Legion Charities.
c. You will be directed to your donation page. The left-hand column is where you can edit the details of your fundraiser. It is recommended that you update this to be specific for 100 Miles for Hope. Scroll to the end of this story for an example of text you can use. Please note that Facebook only allows fundraisers to last for 90 days, even though the 100 Miles campaign lasts until Sept. 6. It is recommended that you change the end date as far back as you can.
d. If you’d like to update your cover photo, click the + icon in the upper right-hand corner of the current image in the left-hand column. One you click that icon, a box will appear where you can upload a new photo.
e. Once you are finished making your changes, click Create. You will see a new window that offers suggestions on next steps. Click Get Started to start promoting your campaign on Facebook!
Regardless of which way you choose to donate, those funds are tax deductible because American Legion Charities is a tax-exempt organization.
Sample text for Facebook fundraising page
I'm raising important donations for The American Legion 100 Miles for Hope. Your kind contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5, $50 or $500, for disabled veterans and military families with minor children at home. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support!
All donations go to The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation. Since its creation in 1925, the foundation has delivered over $30 million in financial assistance for disabled veterans, military families. Income from the foundation investments is used to fund Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation programs and Temporary Financial Assistance, which provides funds to minor children of active duty or American Legion members.
Facebook pays all the processing fees for you, so 100% of your donation goes directly to the nonprofit.