New Mexico’s mid-winter conference ‘taxes’ raise over $1,200 for youth programs

Paying taxes is never fun, however, The American Legion Department of New Mexico made it enjoyable for its mid-winter conference attendees. As the money raised supported its children and youth programs.

Conference attendees received a tax sheet where they had to “pay taxes” on items they owned.  For example, 25 cents for each American flag owned; 5 cents for each American Legion pin on their cap; 25 cents for every Legion shirt owned; and a penny for each year of their age. Everyone received a sticker on their badge when they paid their taxes to Johnny Washington.

“It blew my mind how quickly everyone responded to the form. Everyone was telling me how great it was,” said Washington, a member of Post 117 in Clovis, N.M. “Within 30 minutes people were turning in their forms and payment.”

The tax form resuled in more than $1,200 raised for the department’s children and youth programs, which is double than normal.
“People even gave more than what their taxes asked for. I was really shocked,” Washington said.

Department of New Mexico Vice Commander and Post 72 (Albuquerque) Commander Robert Rodriquez said the tax idea originated from Unit 72 President JoAnn Rodgers. “This tax form was all in fun attitude. It was something different to raise money for children and youth. The support for it blew me away,” he said.
Washington and Rodriquez plan to implement the same idea during the Department of New Mexico’s convention this summer.

Rodriquez stressed that the idea for the children and youth tax form was the result of Post 72’s Legion Family “working together as a team. Everything we do we do together,” he said.

To view the children and youth tax form click here.