ALABASTER – Alabaster is now home to the new Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 12185.

At the time of the auxiliary’s installation on June 22, there were 16 members, but it has grown to 29 members as of Nov. 21. The organization’s goal is to improve the lives of veterans and their families in the community through volunteer projects, patriotic programs, youth scholarships and activities that support veterans, active-duty military and their families, according to post president Shannon Roach. Any male or female relative of someone who served overseas in any branch of the United States military is eligible to be a member of VFW Auxiliary.

The VFW Auxiliary was created more than 100 years ago and is one of the nation’s oldest veterans’ service organizations. There are more than 470,000 members representing all 50 states.

In just a few months, the Alabaster post has already organized fundraisers to aid its mission of giving back to veterans. Until Dec. 6, raffle tickets are on sale. Tickets are 1 for $1, 6 for $5 or 15 for $10. Those who purchase tickets will be entered into a drawing to win a children’s camouflage battery-power Jeep. The Jeep features a rechargeable battery, working lights, engine sounds, low and high speeds, a port to hook up an iPod or phone so kids can rock out to their own playlist, and last but not least, a remote control for those kids who need a backseat driver while learning how to cruise around or those too young to do it yet.

The post is also selling smoked hams and turkeys until Dec. 16. Turkeys that average 14 pounds cost $40 and hams that average 12 pounds are $50. Those who order a ham or turkey will receive it fully cooked and ready to eat. Orders will be ready for pickup on Saturday, Dec. 21, from noon until 3 p.m. at 145 First Avenue West in Alabaster.

The profits from these fundraisers will be used to help area veterans and their families.

There are also programs for area youth to participate in that teach and encourage patriotism. The Young American Creative Patriotic Arts Contest for students in grades 9-12 offers participants a chance to win a $31,000 scholarship. Another patriotic art contest for students in kindergarten through eighth grade offers a chance for students to win $100, $50 and $25 gift cards. Other programs are in place that recognize and reward acts patriotism by children and reward them for completing service projects honoring veterans and assisting active-duty military and their families.

For more information about fundraisers, programs or how to become a member, contact Roach at 205-329-5522 or send an email to vfwauxiliary12185@gmail.com. VFW Auxiliary meetings are the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. Meetings resume Jan. 4, 2020.