Inverness Elks Lodge #2522 completed its seventh year of the Backpacks for Success school supplies program. This year, the lodge provided 168 backpacks as well as school supplies for 60 area children in foster care and students in 17 local schools. The lodge works with the Citrus County Foster Parent Association Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Funds were again provided by the $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. The lodge used some of its charity funds as well. The lodge purchased backpacks in bulk and school supplies from a wholesale source in June once the decision was made to open Citrus County schools. This year, most of the backpacks and supplies were shipped directly to the lodge. Because of the pandemic, instead of having 30 individuals at the lodge to pack everything in one day, the lodge members worked in groups of five from Aug. 10-14. On Aug. 15, the backpacks and supplies for the children in foster care were delivered to a central distribution point five days before school started. On Aug. 18 and Aug. 19, members delivered the backpacks to the guidance department of each school by appointment.