Aurora was chosen to be the 2022 “Buddy”® Poppy Child for the VFW National Home for Children.
The 8-year-old attended National Convention for the second year in a row, during which she gave a speech about life at the National Home, where she lives with her parents and siblings. She also collected pins from around the country and posed for pictures with members.
Aurora likes living at the VFW National Home for Children’s North Carolina House because it is really big and she gets her own room, a big deal when a kid has three siblings, as she does. “I like being able to have a toy room also. It is fun living here and playing with friends. I love all the fun times we have here like when Santa and the Easter Bunny came to my house. I like being able to ride my bike around the neighborhood with my friends.”
Perhaps most importantly, Aurora noted, “I feel safe living here.”
Members wishing to support the National Home can do so by making monetary donations directly and/or can help support the Home’s Summer Program by purchasing items from their Amazon Wish List: VFWNHC Amazon Wish List. (Items range in price from $3-$1,500, with many for less than $25. You can choose an item individually or together with your Auxiliary. You should report these donations as you would other in-kind donations.)
Photos of Aurora taken during the meeting are credited to photographer Nicole Bissey.