Southwest Central District

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

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On Dec. 18, Brandon Lodge members Delores Westfall, PER (also a Kentucky Colonel) and Dennis Roberts, PER, drove a rented U-Haul truck to Kentucky with numerous bags of toys for the children who were impacted by the devastating recent tornado. As a child, Westfall lived around that part of Kentucky and knows the needs of these families. She said the tornado wiped out the little these families had. The mayor had been asking for toys so the children could still have some form of Christmas. Westfall reached out and made it all happen. She spoke to the county judge who set up the firehouse as the collection point. Five full-time Greenville, Kentucky, firefighters were there waiting for the truck’s arrival. Everyone was beyond grateful. In addition to the much-needed and appreciated toys, Westfall delivered $1,200 in cash donations from Brandon Lodge members.

Pictured are Delores Westfall, PER with the U-Haul full of toys and Greenville, Kentucky, firefighters Tucker Oglesby, Michael Wells, Sabrina Slinker Scott, Jamie Reyolds and Logan Franklin.

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

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On Dec. 12, Brandon Lodge held a Breakfast with Santa for the kids. The Brandon Ladies of Elks provided a complimentary breakfast to 40 children and Santa was there handing out gifts to each of them.

On the same day, members along with grandchildren, children, spouses and friends gathered in the lounge to wrap the presents for their adopted Christmas families. This year, the lodge adopted 14 families that needed a helping hand. The lodge gave Christmas joy to 35 children. Lodge members adopt a child and at their own expense, thru provide the child’s entire Christmas from Santa. The lodge provides the everything for an entire Christmas dinner for each family.

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Written by Ronna Mason

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On Dec. 14, Sebring Lodge donated $250 to the Sebring High School JROTC to thank them for their participation in the lodge’s annual golf tournament in November. Festivities started on the first day at each golf course with the Honor Guard presenting the colors. Pictured at the check presentation are Michael Moore; Javia Wade; Jim Mason, PDD; and Isabelle Violette.

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Written by Sharon Hammersla

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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.

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Written by Rick Littlejohn

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On Dec. 11, Lakeland Lodge held a special Christmas celebration for the children from James J. Musso Boys and Girls Club of Lakeland, Florida. There were crafts, pony rides, a bounce house, balloon artist and games for the children. Each child received clothes and multiple gifts as well. Pizza was served for lunch along with punch and dessert. Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elroy the Elk joined in the festivities and helped make it a memorable Christmas celebration for these children. For the lodge members, it was a heartwarming experience and seeing the smiles on the children's faces and the excitement in their voices was priceless. There was also a giving tree with suggestions for gifts for the kids who could not attend the party. These gifts were later taken to the Boys & Girls Club to be distributed to other children in need from the club and to supply the club's store for the year. Lodge member Sandy Bates had hosted his birthday party at the lodge and unselfishly requested donations to the Boys & Girls Club in lieu of birthday gifts, which is how more than $5,700 was collected to help make this event possible. The lodge also held a wrapping party Dec. 8 with 25 lodge members and 10 non-member guests.

Pictured with the children are Elroy the Elk, Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus.