Northeast District

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On May 21, Green Cove Springs Lodge donated $1,000 from the lodge PER/charity bingo fund on behalf of lodge members to the Green Cove Springs Food Pantry. Cheryl Royal, Lecturing Knight, is pictured presenting the check to food pantry volunteer Wynema Lovell. Throughout May and June, lodge members have brought nonperishable food to the lodge and members Gale and Nancy Klopfenstein, who are also volunteers at the food pantry, have helped coordinate and deliver the items each week to the food pantry. Pictured organizing food donations at the lodge are members Gale Klopfenstein, Patsy Weston and Nancy Klopfenstein.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On April 30, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 donated more than 100 boxes of cereal bars to Charles E. Bennett Elementary School to help supplement their take-home lunch program for students that has been instituted during the pandemic. Pictured are Mary Bolla, member and local school board member; Dr. Sheree Cagle, principal; Tracy Carroll, PER; Gene Rittenhouse, District Vice President; Ed Weston, Exalted Ruler; and Marcia Mainer, assistant principal.

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Written by Dayna Miller

990 Waldo Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 helped with the transport of food from the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank to the City of Waldo. The initial goal was to be able to offer enough food to feed over 50 families. The lodge helped every Wednesday for four weeks, and now it has changed to once a month. Pictured April 22 are Breed Jumpp, president of the Gainesville Elks Riders 990; Linda Califf, Lodge Secretary; and Gary Parker, lodge member and Parker Pest Control. Additional members not pictured are Saudia Bradley and Rita Puentez, coordinator of this event. The following is a thank-you letter received by the lodge from the mayor of Waldo dated April 28.

As the Mayor of Waldo, I would really like to thank you and your lodge members for your help with feeding Waldo. As you may or may not know Waldo does not have a food bank, so our residents must go to Gainesville or Starke to get food. Many residents do not have the ability to do that. This has been a huge blessing for the City of Waldo, and we are grateful for your role in that giveaway.

You all have made a difference in Waldo and for that we thank you!

Sincerely,

Louie Davis, Mayor

Because there was a surplus after the lodge delivered the food from the Bread of the Mighty to the City of Waldo, they donated the extra food to the St. Francis House, a homeless shelter in Gainesville. Pictured April 22 at the lodge is member Saudia Bradley loading food to deliver to the St. Francis House in Gainesville. The lodge members have been anxious to reach out and help their community in these times of need.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

During the month of February, Green Cove Springs Lodge held their annual Comfort Campaign in support of the local law enforcement. Thanks to generous members and guests, the lodge donated 140 stuffed animals to the Green Cove Springs Police and Clay County Sheriff's departments. These stuffed toys will be distributed by law enforcement to provide comfort to the children they encounter on their calls. Members of both agencies were guests for breakfast at the lodge Feb. 29. Pictured preparing the donations are Kathy Hughson, spouse; Ed Weston, Exalted Ruler; Emily Hughson, volunteer; Greg Hughson, PDD; Diane Watson, Secretary; Patsy Weston, entertainment committee member; and Tracy Carroll, PER. Pictured at the breakfast are Ed Weston, Exalted Ruler; Deputy Matthews; Deputy Freshour; Izzy Hughson and Emily Hughson, volunteers; Sheriff Daniels; Tracy Carroll, PER; Officer Babcock; Sergeant Hess; and Officer Camp.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On Feb. 22, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 hosted a community baby shower funded through the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. The lodge partnered with the community including schools and health clinics to reach out to new mothers. Nineteen volunteers helped guests feel welcome, and each new mom received gifts including a diaper bag, diapers, toys, bibs, bottles and a variety of door prizes. Lunch was provided and there were games as well. Each mom also received a home library of eight books to support their child's early literacy learning. Therapists Rae Montgomery and Melanie Sarris from Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services, Sergeant Kim Miller from Green Cove Springs Police Department, and Jennifer Parker, Green Cove Springs Library branch manager, were on hand to provide informational resources to the families. Pictured are new moms having lunch with Jennifer Parker, Rae Montgomery and Melanie Sarris.