April has been designated as the Month of the Military Child, and in recognition, the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency is organizing a Military Family Collection Drive. The initiative is in collaboration with the American Legion Auxiliary Eastchester Unit and is supported by several American Legion and VFW posts, along with Eastchester Schools, Tuckahoe-Eastchester Lions Club, and other partners. The drive aims to gather new and unused items such as diapers, formula, hygiene items, clothes, toys, gift cards, and handmade blankets for children of veterans and military service members from newborn to teenage years across New York State.
All donations collected will be distributed by the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services to military-connected families throughout the state. County Executive Ken Jenkins noted the significance of the drive, highlighting the contributions of children in military families: “Children with parents in the military may not wear a uniform, but in many ways they serve, just like their parents do.” He acknowledged their sacrifices and emphasized Westchester’s support for these families.
Veterans Service Agency Director Josh Gaccione expressed gratitude to Tiana Sloan, president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 979, for initiating the drive: “It’s not only a wonderful way for our communities to support military families and heighten community awareness of the sacrifice and service of our military families.” He anticipates the event becoming an annual effort.
Tiana Sloan elaborated on the unique challenges faced by military children, such as frequent relocations and parental deployments, emphasizing the importance of community support. She stated: “It’s our turn to show them we see them, support them, and appreciate them, and to honor the resilience, strength, and sacrifices of children in military families.”
To participate in the collection drive or for more information, individuals are encouraged to contact the Eastchester Unit or their local American Legion Auxiliary Post.
