Spotlighting post and auxiliary volunteer efforts: April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week and the perfect occasion to honor those people who are generous with their time. For VFW, it is an opportunity to highlight Posts' volunteer initiatives

One such Post is 1197 in Batavia, Ill. For Valentine's Day, with the aid of Girl Scout Troop 158, the Post mailed 100 America's Sweethearts care packages to overseas troops. Care package items included crackers, chewy fruit candy and gum.

In Murrells Inlet, S.C., members of Post 10420 and its Ladies Auxiliary were recognized by Grand Strand Health Care on the center's volunteer day, Oct. 24. VFW volunteers make regularly scheduled visits to patients at the home and also make special trips for birthday and anniversaries.

Post 8545 in Smithfield, Va., supports Vetshouse, Inc., in Chesapeake. Most recently, members paid one month's mortgage for this facility for homeless veterans. In addition to the $500 payment, Post members have donated food and clothing since it opened in 1992.

"Our membership is not very large," said John Edwards, commander, "but we remain active in giving support where it is needed most."