The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.4 million members in approximately 9,000 Posts worldwide. The VFW has a rich tradition in enhancing the lives of millions through its community service programs and special projects. Supporting the community is a tradition of the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary with volunteering efforts centering on programs that benefit education and health services, enhance military morale, develop civic pride and improve the community. Yearly, hundreds of thousands of students participate in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest garnering more than $3.4 million in scholarships and incentives. Posts and Auxiliaries nationally work with youth in scouting, sports, ROTC and military cadet programs. The VFW's partnership with the Boy Scouts of America includes the sponsoring of more than 1,200 Scouting units with 40,000 members. VFW's Safety Program encourages VFW Posts and Auxiliaries to conduct programs in home, auto and bicycle safety, as well as programs dealing with drug awareness and substance abuse. By providing leaders, funding, sponsorships and other resources, the VFW and its Auxiliaries encourage millions of America's young adults to higher ideals and greater personal achievement. Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.