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Central District
Citrus Abuse Shelter Association Receives Grant and Supplies from West Citrus Elks
- Details
- Written by West Citrus Elks
Using a portion of its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant, West Citrus Elks Lodge #2693 presented CASA (Citrus Abuse Shelter Association ) with $750 to help defray ongoing expenses. Also, with a portion of its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, the lodge supplied approximately $1,000 worth of food and supplies for use in the daily operation of the shelter. Pictured are Sunshine Arnold, CASA CEO, and Kris Estus, Exalted Ruler.
Kissimmee Elks Lodge a Polling Location for Florida's Primary
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- Written by Kissimmee Elks
On Aug. 18, Florida’s primary day, Kissimmee Elks Lodge #1873 participated in the "Adopt a Precinct" program where Osceola County, Florida, rents part of the lodge building for election voting. Some members are trained to fill polling positions and they donate their salaries to the lodge. From the rent and poll workers’ salaries, $325 was split between the Elks National Foundation and the Harry-Anna Trust Fund which supports the Florida Elks Youth Camp and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services. Pictured are the three members who worked the polls — Robert Husband, Steve Hebior and Bob Barry, PDD.
Kissimmee Lodge and First United Methodist Church Host Fundraising Gala
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- Written by Bob Barry
On Feb 8, Kissimmee Elks Lodge #1873 in partnership with the First United Methodist Church of Kissimmee held a winter gala charity event for both organizations. The church's portion went to their mission team that travels around the world helping those in need. The lodge will use its proceeds for the Elks National Foundation and the state Harry-Anna Trust Fund. Pictured are Terry Hebior, Exalted Ruler, and Jose Nieves, senior pastor.
Aripeka Lodge Donates Suitcases for Children in Foster Care System
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- Written by Aripeka Elks
On Feb. 7, Aripeka Elks Lodge #2520 donated suitcases and backpacks to Guardian Ad Litem for children in the foster care program after they learned that many children arrive at a new foster home with their belongings in a trash bag. The lodge will continue this program as long as there is a need.
Zephyrhills Lodge Donates Hooded Jackets to Four Schools
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- Written by Zephyrhills Elks
On Nov. 18, four elementary schools each received 19 fleece hoodie zip jackets from Zephyrhills Lodge #2731. The jackets were purchased with lodge charity funds.
Pictured at the West Elementary delivery are Kevin Morris, member; Alice Tolson, member; Judy Osgood, ENF Chairperson; Cammie Wilkinson, school secretary; and Jennifer Bayless, clinic assistant.
Kissimmee Lodge Hosts Families in Foster and Diversion Care
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- Written by Kissimmee Elks
With the benefit of an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant for the fourth year, members of Kissimmee Elks Lodge #1873 hosted foster and diversion care families of Osceola County Dec. 14. Providing for over 200 children in the system along with their families and siblings, they fed 800 individuals. They also offered pony rides, a super-sized bounce house, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and multiple games and activities. There was a huge collection of donated toys and gifts from the Elks members and the community. The caregivers could choose three gifts for each child at no cost. Elroy the Elk got many hugs and was a great hit as he passed out coloring books and red ribbon bookmarks encouraging them to be free from drugs and alcohol.
Pictured are Santa and Mrs. Claus, Elroy the Elk, and leaders and members of lodge-sponsored scout troop #82 acting as Santa's helpers.
Kissimmee Lodge Hosts Families in Foster and Diversion Care
- Details
- Written by Kissimmee Elks
With the benefit of an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant for the fourth year, members of Kissimmee Elks Lodge #1873 hosted foster and diversion care families of Osceola County Dec. 14. Providing for over 200 children in the system along with their families and siblings, they fed 800 individuals. They also offered pony rides, a super-sized bounce house, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and multiple games and activities. There was a huge collection of donated toys and gifts from the Elks members and the community. The caregivers could choose three gifts for each child at no cost. Elroy the Elk got many hugs and was a great hit as he passed out coloring books and red ribbon bookmarks encouraging them to be free from drugs and alcohol.
Pictured are Santa and Mrs. Claus, Elroy the Elk, and leaders and members of lodge-sponsored scout troop #82 acting as Santa's helpers.
Aripeka Lodge Hosts Guardian Ad Litem Christmas Party
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- Written by Aripeka Elks
On Dec. 14, Aripeka Lodge hosted its third annual Guardian Ad Litem Christmas gift party for children who are placed in foster care by the courts. Lodge members used an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to purchase 26 bicycles and 24 tablets to help make Christmas a special day for these children. In addition, Guardian Ad Litem of Pasco County collected hundreds of presents from community businesses and other community members to make sure the 35 tables in the large hall were covered with presents. The children and their foster parents were treated to hot dogs, chips and soda. The lodge’s own Santa and Mrs. Claus were a big hit among the children.
Inverness and West Citrus Lodges Host Dinner for Foster Families
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- Written by Brian Estus, PER
Once again, West Citrus and Inverness Elks lodges teamed up to host foster families of Citrus County at a dinner held at West Citrus Lodge Dec. 15. The children received gifts as well. This annual event provides the foster families an opportunity to meet and share the challenges and triumphs of being a foster parent. Pictured are volunteers from both lodges including members, spouses and Ladies of Elks – (back row) chef, Dave Vergil; West Citrus outside coordinator, Karin Nottage; Vinnie Gonzales; Mike Quade; Doreen Tortorella; Barry Grace; Charles Jancura; House Committee chairman, Scott Zakszeski; and Teresa Jancura. In the front row are Lucille Lareau, Bonnie Lee, Linda Zakszeski and Eppie Demchak.
Zephyrhills Lodge Donates Stuffed Animals for Children's Party
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- Written by PER Ken Fabiani
With the support of Tracy Hanson, Director of Caterpillars to Butterflies Foundation in Dade City, Fla., and Ken Fabiani, PER, Zephyrhills Lodge Veterans Chairman, the lodge donated 50 stuffed animals for the Christmas party held Dec. 11. The foundation supports children’s growth and creativity. Having the party brings smiles to children as they sit on Santa’s lap, sing Christmas carols and dance after their meal. Pictured are Dottie Sollmann, special citizens Christmas party chairperson and Ken Fabiani, PER.
Fire Dept. and Nursing Homes Receive Snacks from Zephyrhills Lodge
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- Written by PER Ken Fabiani
On Oct. 26, Zephyrhills Lodge and the Veterans committee donated cookies and popcorn at a value of $750 to Rose Castle Nursing Home, Westbrook Manor Nursing Home and Zephyrhills Fire Department.
Aripeka Elks Host Halloween Party for Community Members
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- Written by Aripeka Elks
On Oct. 24, Aripeka Elks Lodge #2520 used an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant of $2,000 to hold a Halloween party for over 160 children and young adults from the community who are severely disabled. The annual event is named after deceased lodge member Hal Steffes and was started in 1987. The party featured a haunted house staffed by costumed lodge members who gave each passing person an abundance of candy and trinkets to their delight. This event also featured a lunch consisting of pizza, hot dogs, French fries, and ice cream along with the distribution of candy and several gifts for each person in attendance.