By JAYLINN PFEIFER
For Hays Post

The American Legion Auxiliary will be hosting the annual Poppy Patch Craft and Gift Fair. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the National Guard Armory, 200 Main.

The first Poppy Patch Craft and Gift Fair was held in 2012. The event is held once or twice a year to raise funds and awareness for the American Legion Auxiliary and the causes it supports.

“This event is one of the major fundraisers that we do throughout the year,” said Ruth Lang, ALA president.
The proceeds from the booth rent, bake sale and concession stand assess the American Legion Auxiliary to fulfill their mission of supporting veterans, active military and the youth of the communities they live in.

The Auxiliary donates funds or items to organizations including Ellis County Salvation Army, Fort Dodge Old Soldiers Home, Ellis County Community Assistance Center and the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center. The Auxiliary will also be having a bake sale, along with the gift and craft sale, with homemade goodies and a concession stand that will be offered throughout the day.

“My favorite part about the event is the sense of being a part of the community, knowing the funds will benefit other people and organizations within the community. As the members work to plan the event with all of the details, the concession stand, and the bake sale – it allows our members to know each other better,” said Lang.

Vendors at the event include Pink Zebra, Pampered Chef, Discovery Toys, GrapeVine Ceramics, Pat’s Magnetic Jewelry, Amyz Thingz, Scentsy, Stich’n Knitwits, Tupperware, Paparazzi Jewelry, Young Living Essential Oils, Mary Kay, Gramma K’s, and more.

The Casper J. Middlekauff, American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 173, Hays, meets each month. For information on meeting dates/times/location or joining the Auxiliary, see their Facebook page – American Legion Auxiliary Unit 173.