East Central District

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Written by Linda Trawle

Titusville Elks Lodge #2113 used its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to donate $2,500 to the Children’s Hunger Project. Cheryl Cominsky, Executive Director of the Children’s Project, accepts the check March 31 from Exalted Ruler Mike Anderson, PER. The project provides weekend meals during the school year and fights childhood hunger. This donation will make 625 meals and will feed 17 kids for a year.

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Written by Frank Kuczkowski, PER

On Feb. 20, Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 held its annual Hoop Shoot at the Port Orange Rec Center. First place winners will advance to the district competition, which will be held at DeLand Middle School March 13. Pictured are Frank Kuczkowski, PER; Evan Achterberg, first place for boys 12-13; Lorenzo Maldonard, second place for boys 12-13; Lou Greci, PER, Youth Activities Chair; Bane Miller, second place for boys 8-9; Coach McLean; Wyatt Cook, first place for boys 8-9; Owen Cook, second place for boys 10-11; Coach Colvil; and David Vassil Jr., first place for boys 10-11.

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Written by Davina Watercutter

DeLand Elks along with other community partners provided kids in DeLand, Florida, a socially distant and fun Christmas affair. The Elks prepared and distributed more than 250 goody bags that included homemade cookie decorating kits, ornament kits, coloring pages and crayons. Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their Elk elves greeted kids with their masks on as they came through the drive-thru for some Christmas cheer! Member Davina Watercutter chaired this event.

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Written by Merritt Island Elks

Principal Tagye of Gardendale School on Merritt Island in Florida asked Merritt Island Lodge if they could donate some T-shirts to the student body that would be used for uniforms. This school is the last chance for students who have gotten into trouble in traditional public schools in the county, and in many cases, it is a choice of expulsion or attending this facility, which is a Brevard Public School. The student body consists of approximately 125 students. However, because of the pandemic, the in-house attendance is about 50. Using $500 from the state association’s match of the $3,500 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, Donn Sophia and his daughter, Sophia Sardella, delivered 200 T-shirts to the school Nov. 4. With budgets tight all over, Tagye was very appreciative to get the shirts for her students. She explained that the goal of this school is to have the students return to their previous school better prepared socially, emotionally and academically. They also teach some values so the students can be successful in life.

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Written by Frank Kuczkowski, PER

On Dec. 1, Port Orange Lodge assembled and installed moveable racks and shelving at First Step Homeless Shelter in Daytona, Florida. The hardware which amounted to $3,500 was purchased using the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. Pictured are George Brennan; Dan Mowbry, PER; Andy Berard; Don Clark, PER; William Post; and Larnard Felver, maintenance supervisor. Not pictured is Jerry Peterson, PER.

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Written by Bev Muscatello

Ormond Beach Elks Lodge #2193 sponsors the Fun Time Bowlers each year using its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. Fun Time Bowlers is a bowling league for individuals with mental challenges and disabilities. The lodge pays for weekly bowling, T-shirts and medals. On Nov. 7, the following members are pictured at Ormond Lanes receiving an award from the group in appreciation of their support — John Andrews, Jackie Andrews, Bev Muscatello, Gerri Madden, Erica Barger, Bruce Card, Carl Muscatello, Sherman Burress and Donna Foisey.