Southwest Central District

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Written by Ronna Mason

For the 10th year and using its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant, Sebring Lodge was a sponsor for the Highlands Lakeside Theatre Children's Summer Camp. There were 68 children ages eight through 18 at this four-week session. The goals of the camp are to "teach and appreciate the arts, grow in personal confidence, develop effective communication skills, become problem solvers, and to collaborate well with others." A play is performed as the last part of the program. This year's play was titled “Zanadu Jr.,” and members Judy Hanson, Becca Carpenter, and Jim and Ronna Mason represented the lodge at the show. 

Pictured presenting the check with the group behind them are Jonathan Spiegel, Exalted Ruler; Tracy Schuknecht, theatre director; and Judy Hanson, PER, Secretary.

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Written by Ronna Mason

On June 15, Sebring Lodge donated $200 to the Sebring JROTC and thanked them for their assistance with the Florida Elks state golf tournament dinner. The Air Force JROTC program teaches citizenship and life skills and air and space fundamentals; promotes community service; and instills responsibility, character, and self-discipline through character education.

Dennis Green, retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant accepts the check from Jim Mason, PDD.

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 used its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant along with the Florida State Elks Association matching funds to support five local Title 1 schools. The lodge has a long history of supporting and interacting with their local schools and used this grant donation as another opportunity to build a stronger community. On March 4, Sharon Hammersla, District Deputy and Brandon Lodge’s grant coordinator, accompanied by Mary Lou Scribner, PER, met with the five school principals and delivered checks for $1,400 each. The schools that received these donations were Willis Peters Exceptional Center in Dover, Lopez Exceptional Center and Seffner Elementary School in Seffner, and Mintz Elementary School and Yates Elementary School in Brandon.

Pictured at Yates Elementary School are Lisa Varnum, principal/administrator; Mary Lou Scribner, PER; Sharon Hammersla, District Deputy and lodge grant coordinator; and Vaniece Johnson, social worker.

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Written by Ronna Mason

On Jan. 6, Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 delivered 15 boxes of canned goods and nonperishable items along with clothing and toys to the Avon Park Hands for Homeless program in Avon Park, Florida. These items were collected during the Monday night Elks charitable bingo program. During the delivery, Wainetta Holmes, Exalted Ruler, and Diane Morse, Loyal Knight, observed the program on a very busy morning. In one area, more than 200 hot meals were being prepared and distributed throughout the community. Many could be seen walking and bicycling to the site. In another area, clients received much-needed clothing and household items from the Treasure Box. In a third area, boxes of perishable food items were being packed for distribution into vehicles that were lined up with trunks open to receive them. This past summer, the program received funds from the lodge to purchase a refrigerator for use in preparing and storing perishable items and meals for distribution. The funds were also used to purchase produce and provide a produce distribution site. The lodge will continue to assist this program and others in battling food insecurities in the area.

Pictured is member Joe Stockenberg with a vehicle packed with donations.

Also pictured are Diane Morse, Loyal Knight, and Wainetta Holmes, Exalted Ruler, on delivery day.

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Written by Judy Wise

On Dec. 15, Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 hosted a Christmas party for children from Everyday Blessings, a home for children who have been neglected or abused. It is the only home in the county that will accept siblings so the children are not separated. The lodge uses its Elks National Foundation Impact Grant throughout the year to support this home. There were 24 children, 7 caretakers from the home, 10 Elks children and 42 Elks in attendance. The Elks provided a meal and entertainment by a magician. Santa Claus visited the children and gave gifts to them all, which had been purchased by lodge members from the children’s wish lists. Cooper Tharrington, the granddaughter of an Elk, dressed as Elsa from the movie Frozen. The Ladies of Elks provided all the decorations and cooked the meal. Member Bob Norton provided dinner music and Christmas carols.

Pictured are Elsa (Cooper Tharrington) as well as a helper elf (Shelly Carroll, Leading Knight) and Santa Claus (John Guarino, Exalted Ruler) .