Palm Coast Elks Help Local Cold-Weather Shelter
- Details
- Written by Mark Fontana
On March 4, the Sheltering Tree held their fundraiser at Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709. With the donation made by the lodge, the event brought in nearly $11,000 for the organization. Lodge Exalted Ruler Ralph Dodge related that “This year is the 150th anniversary of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and our Elks National Foundation has granted the lodge $1,500 as part of the celebration. This is a great way to support our community through the Sheltering Tree’s important work.”
The Sheltering Tree is a nondenominational civic organization created to provide food and shelter during the many nights per year that the temperature drops below 40 degrees in Flagler County which does not have a permanent shelter. Over the nine years the shelter has been in operation, the number of nights below 40 degrees has varied from 9 to 40. The Sheltering Tree is run completely by volunteers and also provides clothing, work boots, gas assistance, transportation tickets to return home, and assistance with obtaining state identification and rental security deposits. One day, the organization hopes to be able to offer showers and laundry facilities.
Sheltering Tree Director, Susan Bickings, received a $1,500 donation from Palm Coast Lodge by ER Ralph Dodge during the organization’s fundraiser.