PEORIA — It's almost poppy weekend in Peoria.
That means scores of American Legion members and other volunteers will be standing in front of a handful of area stores later this week, selling the iconic fabric flowers that help raise money for activities that benefit veterans.
Last year's Poppy Days raised nearly $8,500 for those missions, which include helping local veterans at the Veterans Affairs clinic and distributing some to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs homes in Quincy, LaSalle and Danville. The money given to the homes is used for birthday parties, entertainment, crafts, holiday treats and other things to make life a little more enjoyable for the vets.
"We had real good year last year," said Bill Shadid, the VFW's poppy committee chairman, adding that he hopes this year will be as successful.