Southwest Central District

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Written by Brandon Elks

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The Brandon Ladies of Elks, with the help of Brandon Lodge members, hosted a Christmas party Dec. 21 for children in foster care at A Kid’s Place. This organization in Brandon offers a safe haven for children who have been removed from their family due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. It is a home-like setting that provides stability, love and hope. Siblings stay together here, too. This organization has five foster homes to serve youths up to 18 years of age and two homes for young adults ages 18 to 23. The party included pizza, which was donated by Hungry Howie’s in Valrico, and snacks. The Brandon Ladies of Elks provided arts and crafts and there were five games with prizes for the winners. Each child was given a handcrafted hat that was knitted or crocheted by a member of the Brandon Senior Center. The yarn to make the hats was donated by the Brandon Ladies of Elks.  Even Santa Claus (member James Lair) gave out toys to the children. In addition, the children were given a toy and a choice from various stuffed animals, all donated by the Brandon Ladies.  Each child left with a party bag containing personal necessities. The lodge donated $1,000 to the organization.  The Brandon Ladies of Elks paid for the toys and gift bags.

Pictured with the handmade caps are Mary Lou Schreck, Past Lady President and Lodge Secretary, and Terri Ciesla, Ladies President.

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Written by Lakeland Elks

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On Aug. 23, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 hosted a KidsPack packing event, with 42 members and guests participating. They assembled 1,000 meal packs for local elementary and middle school students who are experiencing homelessness. The food packs were placed in backpacks and distributed in September. Funds from the lodge’s $4,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and the state association’s Harry-Anna Trust Fund matching grant were used to purchase the food items.

Pictured are Patty Strickland lodge member with KidsPack; Char Fisher, member; and Amy Royal with KidsPack.

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Written by Plant City Elks

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On July 31, Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 donated toys valued at over $350 to the Plant City Police Department’s Christmas-in-July fundraiser, which supported children in local hospitals. The contribution was made from the charity account, which is sustained by proceeds from Queen of Hearts and bingo events as well as member donations.

Pictured are Officer Royal; Judy Wise, PER; Officer Vince Wise (Elk member); and Deputy Chief Centanni.

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Written by Sebring Elks

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For the last several years, Sebring Lodge has sponsored the Walk for Memories, hosted by Change of Pace, an adult daycare and activity center for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other memory care needs. On July 16, the lodge donated $250 from the charity bingo account to the Sam McKissock Sponsorship Fund, which is used to help caregivers cover the cost of daycare for seniors. At no charge, caregivers can drop off the senior citizens in their care at the center for the day to socialize and do activities with other people their age. This frees caregivers to do errands or go to appointments that they can’t do while caring for a senior citizen. The Change of Pace staff also offers support groups for the caregivers.

Pictured are Brenda Richards, lodge member, and Cora Swingle, Change of Pace administrator.

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Written by Sebring Elks

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On Aug. 1, the Sebring Elks Lodge Veterans Committee received a donated refrigerator from ABC Appliance in Sebring. The committee then donated the refrigerator, along with other personal and hygiene items, to the New Testament Church and Mission in Sebring. The Mission helps veterans as well as unhoused members of the community with essential services such as feeding, clothing, housing and emotional support.

Pictured are Brenda Walton, Loyal Knight and Veterans Chair; Ron Schillfarth, trustee and Veterans Committee member; and Josh Young, Mission’s head Men’s director.