South Southwest District

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Written by: Joann Sutton

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On Oct. 3, the Past Exalted Rulers Association of Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 donated $500 to the Punta Gorda Police Department’s Jammers Basketball League. The lodge will have its name on the uniforms and the Elks logo on the police van.

On Oct. 8, the Punta Gorda Lodge Past Exalted Rulers Association held their 30th Octoberfest. Over 300 meals were served to members and guests by 38 volunteers. The proceeds of $2,644 were donated to the Florida Elks Youth Camp and the Harry-Anna Trust Fund.

On Dec. 1, Punta Gorda Lodge hosted its annual Christmas party with proceeds of $1,400 being donated to CARE (Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies) in Port Charlotte, Fla.

With funds from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, Punta Gorda Lodge donated food to replenish the shelves of the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s pantry. The society delivered Christmas dinner baskets to 150 local families.

On Dec. 14,^, members of Punta Gorda Lodge assisted the Punta Gorda Police Department in hosting a Christmas party for foster families at the Punta Gorda Methodist Church. A turkey dinner with all the trimmings was served to the 165 foster parents and children in attendance. Santa Claus brought gifts for all the children as well as family gift bags. Gifts were purchased with funds from the state president’s grant as well as donations received from an anonymous donor.

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Written by: Rachael King

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During the holiday season, Rotonda Elks Lodge #2710 partnered with the Rotonda Quilting Club to provide a sewing opportunity for kids. Twenty-five third, fourth and fifth graders learned to use sewing machines to make their own Christmas pillowcase at Vineland Elementary School in Rotonda West, Fla. Debbie Sommers, Lodge Secretary, describes the project. “I felt a sewing project would benefit children and engage Elks and their friends in a new kind of project. I originally wrote the project last year using our (Elks National Foundation) Promise Grant. We purchased eight new sewing machines and lots of Christmas fabric with the grant funds. To support reading and following directions, I created illustrated pictorial direction sheets so the children could follow each step and be successful. It was a huge success last year at Vineland Elementary. We had fabric left over from last year so I contacted the Vineland Elementary after-school coordinator again and asked if they would be interested in doing the project again. They were excited for an opportunity for the third to fifth graders to learn a life skill. We set up dates and times at the school and I put out a request through the lodge for sewers via Constant Contact and then worked with the gals interested in sewing with the students. Everyone enjoyed the experience and next year we have expanded to include an additional elementary school.” 

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Written by: Diane Hendrick

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At the Sept. 11 board of directors meeting at Fort Myers Lodge, Exalted Ruler, Melba McCleave, presented a check for $2,000 to Lehigh Elementary School’s Anji McStravic, teacher, and Jackson Morgan, assistant principal, to purchase resources for their newly added global arts enrichment class. The mission of the course is to broaden the scope of students’ worldviews and to deepen their understanding and appreciation of world history and cultures from around the world.

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Written by: Deep Creek Elks

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On July 31, Deep Creek Elks Lodge #2763 used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to take 10 school children and three preschoolers from Genesis House Homeless Shelter shopping for school clothes. The school aged children received backpacks, school supplies and back-to-school clothing and shoes. The preschoolers received clothing, shoes and pull-ups. Lodge members also purchased four bookbags and filled them with school supplies for children who would be entering the shelter in the near future. Lodge members enjoy helping the kids make their choices and seeing the joy on their faces with their new clothes. Assisting the happy shoppers were PDD Truman Bass and his wife, Linda; PDD Kay Neilley; Bill Flecken, PER, Exalted Ruler, and his wife, Kathy; Peggy Sue Dygert, Chaplain; Carol Aitchison, Lecturing Knight; and Cheri Usowicz, member. They were accompanied by Officer Lou Henyecz of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office who works very closely with the shelter.

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Written by: Fort Myers Elks

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Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 celebrated Christmas in July on the 20th with a $1,530 donation to Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services (FECTS). Throughout June and July, members and guests were encouraged to purchase an ornament to place on a Christmas tree that was set up in the lodge room. FECTS therapist Christina Walker along with her patient, 5-year-old Isaac, and his grandmother, accept the check from Exalted Ruler, Melba McCleave.