Southwest Central District

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

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Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 used its $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to support two local organizations that continue to bridge the gap between crisis and stability. Nativity Food Pantry provides food to more than 140 families and to several local food missions. ECHO provides food, clothing, and access to life-stabilizing resources, such as computer training and resume creation assistance. In November, Mary Lou Scribner, PER and Sharon Hammersla, PDD divided the grant funds and purchased the groceries most needed by each organization. They delivered the food to ECHO Nov. 17 and to Nativity Food Pantry Nov. 22. The goal of both organizations is to support the community and alleviate food insecurity. In all, more than 2,000 pounds of food was donated.

Pictured are Sharon Hammersla, PDD and Chris, Nativity Food Bank manager.

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

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The Brandon Ladies of Elks held a Breakfast with Santa event Dec. 17 during their regular monthly Sunday all-you-can-eat breakfast. Members and guests were invited to bring their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and neighbors. Santa spent time with 15 children, who all received a Christmas toy. Breakfast with Santa has become an annual event that the kids and members look forward to.

Annie Fox, Brandon Ladies President, left, took the opportunity to tell Santa her wish list for Christmas! Also visiting Santa is Dianne Ferrar, Brandon Ladies of Elks member.

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

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Adopt-a-Family for Christmas has been a long-standing tradition of Brandon Elks Lodge #2383. This year, 11 families with a total of 26 children were adopted by individual lodge members. Families in the community who need a little assistance are identified, and members get the opportunity to make a difference in the child’s life at Christmas with gifts tailored to their wish lists. On Dec. 14, lodge members gathered to wrap all the gifts. Exalted Ruler Marionette Sexton-Garvey and her husband, Glenn, saw that all the presents were delivered to each family in time to be under their Christmas tree for Christmas. All toys and clothes are donated by lodge members. Pictured are Carolyn Thomas, Brandon Ladies of Elks member, and Marionette Sexton-Garvey, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Ronna Mason, PER

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Sebring Lodge participated in the Elks Americanism essay contest, with the theme of "What is my American Dream?" Lodge Americanism Chair, Diane Morse, secured participants from Woodlawn Elementary and Sebring Middle School. First place winners from each school received $100, second place winners received $50 and third place winners received $25. 

Pictured Dec. 13 from Woodlawn are Andria McHargue, fifth grade teacher; Keane Angsinco, second place winner; Ryan Avirett, first place winner; Diane Morse, Lodge Chair; Gwen Clark, Lecturing Knight; Christine Gilbert assistant principal; and Jerry Wright, principal. Marcus Padron, the third place winner, was not available for the picture. Pictured from Sebring Middle School are Diane Morse; Kin Labra, first place winner; Julia Hartt, second place winner; Savannah Folgate, third place winner; and Gwen Clark.

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Written by Ronna Mason, PER

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On Dec. 13, Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 presented approximately 80 pieces of jewelry to Sebring Middle School to be used as gifts for their Christmas store. Florida Elks Charities provided the jewelry, which was donated from a vendor for Elks lodges to use for raising funds or providing them to a charitable cause. The school has a "Show Your Blue" program, which rewards good behavior year-round. Teachers give rewards when they witness BLUE characteristics — “B” for good behavior, “L” for level headedness, “U” for understanding and “E” for effort. These tickets can be used throughout the year for special considerations. At this time of year, gifts from their Christmas store can be purchased with these tickets.

Pictured are Diane Morse, Loyal Knight, and Gwen Clark, Lecturing Knight.