Florida Elks News Editor:
Rachael King
 
Entire contents copyright 2023 by the
Florida State Elks Association Inc.
P.O. Box 49
Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
352-669-9443

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2383 dog

Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 has found that a project originally started to give their members the opportunity to participate in a community activity during the time the lodge was closed for the pandemic has proven to be a great success and so it continues as a quarterly event. Quarterly member participation includes Rick Weigand, PER who unlocks the lodge; member Beth Benham who advertises; member Kathy Brogli who creates the flyers; the Brandon Ladies of the Elks and the RV park residents who contribute; and Robin Rutzke, lodge Veterans Chair, and Sharon Hammersla, District Deputy, who work the quarterly lodge outdoor drop-off and greet and thank the donors. In addition, Ethan and Brodie McAlister, students who are neighbors of Rutzke, have been volunteering as well. They unload the donations and organize and put them in a vehicle for Monday deliveries to a local food pantry and to James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. They have worked three drop-offs so far. The community spirit and hard work is greatly appreciated. Member Ken Muzyk continuously supports this quarterly event and donated 20 puzzles for veterans. Member Donald Harrison donated 23 can openers. Rich Clark, a member of Seattle, Washington, Elks Lodge #92, and his friend, Karen McArthur, winter residents of the Brandon RV Park, donated 30 pounds of dog food. This most recent drive Nov. 13 brought in over 800 pounds of nonperishable food in addition to monetary donations of $160 and other items collected for veterans. Pictured are Brodie McAlister, Robin Rutzke, Ethan McAlister, Rich Clark, Karen McArthur, and Sharon Hammersla.