Southeast Central District

Details

Written by Becky Wills

On Dec. 2, Viera Elks Lodge #2817 and Cocoa Elks Lodge #1532 each presented Family Promise of Brevard with a $1,000 check. Viera’s donation came from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and Cocoa’s came from their charity account. Family Promise of Brevard’s mission is to end family homelessness in Brevard County by collaborating with the community to provide families with support and resources they need to put themselves on a path toward long-term housing stability.

Pictured giving the checks to a Family Promise representative are Antlers Katie Calvert and Erin Enrique; Dan Mogob, Cocoa Lodge Exalted Ruler; and Bill Orblych, PDD.

Details

Written by Ginny Young

Fort Pierce Lodge once again held an Angel Tree project, chaired by members Joann and Kevin Eberle, to collect toys, games and gifts for 67 local children. Of these children, 26 of them are homeless. Members donated approximately $3,000 worth of gifts. Some gifts were delivered Dec. 15. On Dec. 18, members Sue Cook and Kevin and Joann Eberle delivered the remaining gifts to Angels of Hope, which provides help to children experiencing homelessness and to families who are very poor. 

Pictured are Joann and Kevin Eberle with some of the gifts.

Details

Written by Carol and Joe Palowich

Vero Beach Lodge received a request from Dr. Chadwick Bacon, principal of Gifford Middle School, to sponsor the purchase of items for their uniform closet. The school houses a large student population of families with low incomes. With a homeless or displaced student rate of 26%, many students go home to houses with no electricity or running water. Within hours of receiving the request, members voted to purchase $2,000 worth of clothing and hygiene items. Members and spouses scoured Vero Beach for the best deals. The timing of the delivery Nov. 2 was fortunate because several students reported to the front office that they were cold and had no clothes to dress warmly.

Pictured are Pat Stelz, Community Activities Chair and project manager, and Jack "Tex" McClurken, PDD, Exalted Ruler.

Details

Written by Carol and Joe Palowich

On Oct. 26, Vero Beach Elks Lodge #1774 donated $2,500 for a platinum plus sponsorship for a golf scramble held Nov. 11 at Vista Plantation Golf Club in Vero Beach. The proceeds of the event will support the Tunnels to Towers Foundation to aid first responders and veterans. The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to surviving spouses with young children. Tunnels to Towers' national program aims to eradicate homelessness by providing housing and services to veterans who are homeless across America.

Pictured are Jeanette Walker, Vista Plantation Golf Club GM; Kim Taylor, lodge member and Elks liaison for Tunnels to Towers; Jack  McClurken, PDD, Exalted Ruler; and Donna Knerr, PER, trustee.

Details

Written by Ginny Young

On Dec. 13, Fort Pierce Police Department officers picked up approximately $7,500 worth of toys and games and 12 bicycles, along with cash and gift cards, for local children. All donations were made by lodge members and residents of Harbour Isle East and West. 

Pictured in red are members Joann and Kevin Eberle with some of the officers who packed the van.