East Central District
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- Written by: Port Orange Elks
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On April 29, Port Orange Elks and Port Orange Lions partnered to sort 1017 pairs of eyeglasses collected in the Daytona Beach area for reuse by those unable to afford glasses and who are qualified through one of the Lions Club’s clinics. The glasses were sent to the Oviedo Lions Club, where they will be processed with optical readers to determine the magnification and will be stored until requests come from other clubs and missionaries traveling overseas. Port Orange Elks Lodge provided the space for the sorting. Thrivent Financial Services provided lunch for the volunteers.
Pictured are volunteers sorting eyeglasses.
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- Written by: David Valinski
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Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709 donated 200 sandwiches to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office for its law enforcement memorial service, held May 16. The donation provided refreshments for attendees gathered to honor and remember fallen law enforcement officers. The sheriff's office expressed appreciation for the lodge's generosity and partnership in recognizing the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and their families.
Pictured are member David Valinski, Sheriff Rick Staly, Exalted Ruler Pete Lehnertz, member Jerry DiMenna and Deputy Chief Mark Strobridge.
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- Written by: Cristin Rumler
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On Dec. 13, Sanford Elks participated in the City of Sanford’s Parade of Lights. For at least the last 10 years, the lodge has hosted a float in the parade, and members and volunteers have enjoyed walking in the parade and passing out candy to community members. The parade has thousands of attendees annually and is broadcast locally. This year, members of the lodge donated $1,200 worth of candy to be distributed. The lodge’s float always showcases state and national Elk programs.
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- Written by: Cristin Rumler
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Sanford Elks hosted their fifth annual Christmas for Kids event Dec. 6. Santa and Mrs. Claus gave the children treat bags, which included candy and a $10 gift card to either McDonald’s, Dairy Queen or Chick-fil-A. More than 100 children and their parents attended. There were craft stations, including a Christmas card creation station where children could make cards for their families or a veteran. Many veterans’ cards were made and later were delivered to veterans at the Lake Nona and Lake Baldwin Domiciliary. The lodge also provided a pizza lunch, a hot cocoa station and a cookie decorating station. Pictured are member and spouse Tom and Susan Fendley hosting craft table.
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- Written by: David Valinski
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On Dec. 8, the Palm Coast Elks Lodge Veterans Committee donated $2,500 from its fundraising efforts to Teens-In-Flight to support the training and education of one of its students. Teens-In-Flight provides aviation training to teens from military and first responder families and youth who are at risk or financially underserved. Founded by Colonel Jack Howell, USMC (Ret.), a 37-year lodge member, the program grew from his understanding of the unique challenges faced by military children.
Pictured are Veterans Committee members Steve Gallagher, Dave Valinski, and Pete Lehnertz; Teens-In-Flight student Elijah; Teens-In-Flight founder and member, Colonel Jack Howell; and Veterans Committee members Jerry DiMenna and Sean Reardon. Also pictured is a Teens-In-Flight airplane, which is used to train the students enrolled in the program.