By Marge Christianson, Special to Independent Newsmedia
Posted 9/2/20
Tammy Early, Peoria resident and president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62, 9847 W. Desert Cove Ave., awarded 9-year-old Tatum Jones a national Good Deed Award for her efforts to help the homeless.
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Peoria teen raises money to help homeless
9-year-old Tatum Jones honored by Auxiliary
Posted
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 9847 W. Desert Cove Ave. Peoria, AZ
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By Marge Christianson, Special to Independent Newsmedia
Tammy Early, Peoria resident and president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62, 9847 W. Desert Cove Ave., awarded 9-year-old Tatum Jones a national Good Deed Award for her efforts to help the homeless.
The award was presented as a surprise to Tatum at her great-grandfather’s 90th birthday party in Scottsdale. She was also awarded Junior Membership into the American Legion Auxiliary at that time.
Good Deed and Youth Heroism Awards are part of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Children and Youth program. Recognizing youth who demonstrate community service celebrating “Service not Self” is part of the Auxiliary’s mission to protect, care for and support children and youth, particularly those of veterans and military families.
Tatum set a goal to raise $1,000 by her 10th birthday—and when she got halfway there, her parents, Danee and Iraq War veteran John Jones, decided to match her contribution. Together they went out and bought supplies for the homeless including toiletries, snacks and water. They packed them in Ziploc bags and now keep the kits in their cars so they can distribute them when they see someone in need.
“It is so wonderful to see kindness and generosity in our youth, especially during these trying times,” Ms. Early said.
Tatum is the granddaughter of John and Anita Jones who are both veterans and members of the American Legion Family in Peoria. Ms. Jones is also a founding member of the Belles of Liberty, a group of women whose mission is to ring the bell of freedom while being dedicated and supporting veterans and their families.
“As a veteran committed to community service, I am so proud to have a granddaughter like Tatum,” Ms. Jones said. “It is a joy to watch her make her contribution to the community.”
If you are aware of a child or youth demonstrating a Good Deed or Act of Heroism, email the Auxiliary at alaunit62az@gmail.com.
Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary helps to advance the mission of The American Legion. With more than 600,000 members, it is one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military, and their families. Visit ALAforVeterans.org.
Editor’s note: Marge Christianson is a public relations volunteer for American Legion Auxiliary John J Morris Unit 62 in Peoria.
