Just as many area families have done, the Streamwood VFW is downsizing in hopes of improving its financial condition.

Members of the Arnold-Heath Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5151 packed up the bingo equipment and the flags and, with help from movers, relocated to a slightly smaller building across the street and about a block and a half south at 520 S. Bartlett Road.

The VFW post has operated from a strip mall at 341 S. Bartlett Road for about 20 years. But Post Commander Ross Vannier said rent continued to rise, despite a leaky roof and other building problems. So when the lease came up for renewal, the group decided to look elsewhere.

Vannier said Post 5151 has been more successful than some veterans groups at attracting younger members. But it relies mainly on bingo and raffle games and hall rentals to raise money to pay its rent and run its charity, Operation Airlift, which provides supplies to troops overseas. And those funds aren't easy to come by.

"Times are tough. Everybody knows that. Our ability to raise money is declining, if anything," Vannier said. "We're trying to stabilize it."

The VFW's former building manager could not be reached for comment.

With the new location, the group hopes it will save money on utilities and heat, and the new landlord has also provided office space a few doors down in the same strip mall for the VFW to run Operation Airlift. The charity accepts donations of items like hand wipes, stationery, playing cards and socks.

The VFW has signed a five-year lease and hopes to be around much longer.

"The next few months will be critical," Vannier said, "but I think we're doing OK."

He expects the group to be unpacked and ready for its usual weekly bingo night at 6:45 p.m. Thursday and raffle session at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The local Lions Club also runs bingo there starting at 6:45 p.m. Fridays.

The VFW Hall will retain the same phone number, (630) 483-0055.