Coins, bills, and even plastic 鈥� there鈥檚 various ways to show support for veterans and pick up a poppy for the lapel.

The annual poppy campaign runs Friday, Oct. 27, to Nov. 11, and the Aldergrove branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is awash in poppies.

On Monday, some 27,000 were taken to the 91原创 School District office for use in local public schools. There will also be poppies sent to local private schools.

Area captains are reaching out to businesses around the community to distribute counter boxes where people can drop in a donation and take a poppy pin.

Cadets, veterans, and other volunteers are getting ready to do shifts at high-traffic public areas.

It鈥檚 a lot of work for Laura Cline, branch poppy campaign chair, and her volunteers but they are willing to put in the effort for a key reason 鈥� to raise money to support veterans.

鈥淟ast year [the total raised] was $68,000, and all of that goes to veterans and veterans service and seniors services,鈥� Cline explained.

People donate in exchange for a poppy and there鈥檚 some electronic payment machines that will be used at Aldergrove stores such as Save On Foods and Freshco. There鈥檚 also a machine at the legion branch. The Otter Co-op and area Starbucks will also have a bar code that people can use to donate when picking up a poppy.

Purchasing poppies locally means the money stays with the local branch. Purchases or donations made through the legion website go to the national organization.

If people are interested in volunteering for the poppy campaign, there鈥檚 a sign up sheet in the branch, 26607 Fraser Hwy. and shifts are typically two-hour windows.

Dylan Singh likes being in 4-H and working with animals. He was one of the members who taught the public about the club's various projects.

Cline explained that the traditional plastic poppies are being reserved for the schools and the legion has expanded its offerings with such things as biodegradable poppies which people will find in counter-top boxes and from volunteers out on the streets.

As well the wreaths purchased by local charities, businesses, politicians, and others for use on Nov. 11 are also made from biodegradable materials now. The branch also has silicone 鈥楲est we forget鈥� bracelets, black reusable centre pins (to keep poppies attached to lapels), and Aboriginal poppies available to the public.

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