North Central District

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

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On Oct. 10, volunteers from the Eustis Anna Miller Circle packed numerous items for The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, which totaled $3,311.10. The donation included 100 welcome packs for women (1-quart bags which include soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, dental floss, lotion, razor and more) and 100 welcome kits for children that include similar items as well as lip gloss, hand sanitizer, tissue packs and a small toy. The packs are given to women and children when they first arrive at the Haven's safe house as domestic assault survivors. The ladies also provided items for sexual assault survivors, which include sweatpants, T-shirts, flip-flops, sports bras, underwear, soaps, shampoos, cases of water, Gatorade, and crackers and snacks. The nurses provide the clothing to survivors to replace the clothes they must give for evidence. Additionally, 13 birthday packs of cake mix, frosting and candles were provided for mothers to bake a cake for their child while staying in the safe house. Full-size items were also donated, including toothpaste, soap, handmade children’s blankets, multivitamins, aspirin, pillows and more. The Haven provides crucial services to abused women and their children as well as rape survivors. They offer extensive programs to help survivors with housing, food and classes as well as assistance in transitioning to a safer life. They help the children in both school and legal settings as advocates in  the children's time of need.

Pictured are Kathy Mitchell; Mary Ann Cerney; Ralph Cerney, Elk; Beverly Dufresne, President; and Judy Eaton. Not pictured is Suzanne Cunningham, who took the picture.

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Written by David Clayton

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On Sept. 24, Field #1 at the Big Sun Soccer League Facility was abuzz with excitement as 16 members and guests of Ocala Elks Lodge #286 hosted the first Soccer Shoot in years. The day was filled with the thrill of competition, accompanied by the cheers of friends, family and Elk volunteers. Ranging in age from 8 to 15, 59 children showcased their talents, reminding everyone of the joy and excitement such long-standing events bring to the community. The first-place winners will go on to compete at the regional soccer shoot. Central to the Elks mission is a focus on youth development. The soccer shoot provided a platform for young players to hone their skills, learn the values of teamwork and perseverance, and experience the camaraderie intrinsic to the sport. The successful reintroduction of the Soccer Shoot represents one of the first steps the lodge leadership has taken to reestablish the lodge in the community.

Pictured is third place winner of his age category, Matthew C., with his family as well as kicking a ball. He is the grandson of Becky Long, PSP-FLOE and Andy Long, PDD.

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Written by Carolyn Robbins

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When several members of Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 attended church at Starke Lake Baptist Church in Ocoee, Florida, they noticed the church’s deteriorating flagpole that needed to be replaced and have a light kit added. Wally Hatch, PER; Ronnie Bradshaw, Byrd Severance, PER, District Vice President; Mark Wallick, PER; Scott Moore and Rusty Johnson used their own money to purchase the flagpole and light kit for approximately $800. In the early morning on July 29, they installed it without the church pastor knowing. Carolyn Robbins, Exalted Ruler, said the pastor “was amazed, he talked about the flag pole every Sunday after they installed it. How proud he was to have members that cared so deeply about their Country and the Church. He is always talking about the Elks, he visits us on our steak night in Winter Garden 2165. The pastor tells the church members what a great group and how we are always ready to help. He talks about our great partnership with the community and how we have reached out to members in his church when in need. He has told me himself the Elks have great members and what great teamwork we have.”

Pictured in front of the church is the new flagpole lit up by the light kit.

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Written by Carole Ingram

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On May 8, the Inverness Elks Lodge bingo committee presented a $500 check to Inverness Boy Scout Troop 302. The troop is using the donation for transportation to summer scout camp. The troop is involved with helping the community whenever they receive a request and is very active in helping the lodge with functions and care of the facilities.

Bingo committee members pictured are Tom Richards, Jack Trafalski, John Colasanti and Tim Hughes; Steve Epple, scoutmaster; and Carl Gutekunst bingo committee member. Not pictured are John Miller, Jim Bell and Jim Lawler.

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

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On April 25, members of the Eustis Anna Miller Circle 1578 met to pack items for The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, valued at $3,198.90. The donation included 100 children's welcome kits and 100 women’s welcome kits, containing travel-size health care items for their immediate needs, as well as birthday cake and frosting kits so children can have a birthday cake baked by their mom on their birthday. This was all valued at $2,050. Also included was $572.90 worth of full-size items, such as deodorant, toothpaste, aspirin, dental floss, hand soap, hand sanitizer, family packages of toothbrushes, toilet paper and many wellness items to stock the safe house and The Haven's ongoing programs to support women who have been abused and their children. Additionally, they donated $576 worth of items needed to assist rape survivors immediately following their assault exam. At The Haven's request, the assault support items include sweatpants, T-shirts, flip-flops, new underwear, water, Gatorade, snack packages, small soaps, lotion  and other items to replace the clothes they must give up following the nurse’s exam.

Pictured are Beverly Dufresne, Anna Miller Circle President; Guelda Danesky, The Haven Project team member; Mary Ann Cerney, The Haven Project coordinator; Jean Witt, The Haven Project team member; Jennifer Ross, visiting volunteer; Judy Eaton, Anna Miller member; and Butch Danesky, lodge member.

Pictured packing the kits are Mary Ann Cerney; Judy Eaton; Jean Witt, Guelda Danesky and Butch Danesky.

Also shown are some of the assault support items.