By Sylvia Stein
For more than 106 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has been serving military families and supporting service members since its founding in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 10, 1919. Led by women, the Auxiliary’s core mission is to support the American Legion and honor the sacrifices of those who serve by enhancing the lives of veterans, military members, and their families—both at home and abroad. Recently, I spoke with Margie Wesley, president of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 116 in Fuquay-Varina, about the group’s purpose and projects.
The American Legion Auxiliary is guided by the same four pillars on which the American Legion was founded: veterans affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism, and children and youth. These pillars shape the organization’s advocacy and programs, benefiting not only veterans and their families but also youth and the broader community. Eligible members include grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct or adopted female descendants of:
• American Legion members
• Active-duty members of the armed forces of the U.S. and/or allied governments during World War I and/or after December 7, 1941, who died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge.
• Women who are themselves eligible for American Legion membership can join the Auxiliary, regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in the Legion.
Post 116 in Fuquay-Varina, chartered in 1925, engages in a wide range of activities to support veterans and their families, educate citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism and civic responsibility. Their projects reach deeply into the community, especially during the holiday season.
Holiday events are a signature part of Auxiliary life. Each year, Post 116 hosts two festive holiday craft fairs — one in November and the other in July (as a “Christmas in July” event). These fairs feature local vendors selling handmade goods such as jewelry, holiday wreaths, small Christmas trees, plants and flowers, paintings, and patriotic-themed items. Food is served, and raffles are held throughout the day.
In December, the Auxiliary organizes a “Photos with Santa” event that welcomes the entire community. Children enjoy holiday activities, receive gifts, and sip hot chocolate while parents take photos with Santa. “There are many events we help with,” says Wesley, “but we really enjoy when all the kids come to see Santa.”
The Auxiliary also sponsors Christmas card deliveries to residents of assisted-living facilities, and they support a family in need for Christmas, either directly or through local “angel tree” gift drives.
Of course, the Auxiliary’s service extends beyond the Christmas season. Throughout the year, for children and youth, they host an Easter egg hunt and a Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event, they sponsor three local Girl Scout troops, they send eligible rising high school senior girls to Girls State where they learn how the government works, and they provide two $1,000 scholarships for college students who have a parent or grandparent in the Legion.
They also host a quarter auction; help with the Legion-sponsored fish fry, BBQ chicken bake, and whole-hog cookout; and assist with other donation drives for veteran organizations. Broadening their reach, they support Fayetteville VA bingo events, picnics, food pantry, and coat and clothing drives, and have started assisting the new VA clinic in Garner as well.
Here are just a few more ways this exceptional group serves their own and the greater Fuquay-Varina community:
Organizing the annual Oktoberfest event
Assisting with the Veterans Day celebration and providing a recognition meal for the Legion’s women veterans
Coordinating three annual blood drives
Delivering baskets of snacks and water to our three local fire and police stations
Donating water to the USO
Assembling pocket flags for deployed veterans
Providing financial support to CASA, a housing initiative for homeless veterans
Post 116 currently has over 396 members, each playing an important role in the success of the group’s work. Elections were held on July 2, 2025, and the new executive board of 11 members is led by President Margie Wesley. “The goal of our post is to all work together as one,” she says. “If you or a loved one is already a member, you can check the volunteer channel on Slack,” Wesley explains. “If not, feel free to message us on our Facebook page (American Legion Post 116) or email ala@americanlegionpost116nc.org.”
Post 116 of the American Legion Auxiliary is making a real difference — especially during the holidays — and they hope to continue serving the community for many years to come.
