West Central District

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Written by Virginia Warfield

On Dec. 16, members of St. Petersburg Elks Lodge #1224 filled 332 Christmas food bags to help 1,328 adults and children in need for the holidays. Funds were used from the $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and $2,500 of Florida State Elks Association matching Beacon Grant funds. The total value of the bags was $9,420. Heidi Green, Leading Knight, organized the event.

Members are pictured with the bags.

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Written by Paula Twaits

On Nov. 28, Tarpon Springs Elks Lodge #1719 used its $6,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to support the Tarpon Springs Cops ‘n Kids program with a fun day at the youth center, put on by 20 Elks volunteers. The program is a free after-school program committed to empowering children and teens for lifelong success and greater quality of life. Officer Quinones of the Tarpon Springs Police Department is the program director. At the event, each child was given a personal hygiene kit and a lunchbox to fill with healthy snacks and drinks. The children made thank-you cards for veterans, worked on arts and crafts, and enjoyed pizza. Chief Young from the Tarpon Springs Police Department was also at the event. Bob Gorby, PER presented Officer Quinones an Elks appreciation award and two checks — one for $1,500 for the program for children with special needs and one for $1,500 for sports equipment needed at the center.

Pictured are Paula Twaits, grant chair; Lee Twaits; Officer Quinones; Carol Janisz; Chief Young; Nancy Gorby and Bob Gorby.

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Written by Carol Lee Spages

New Port Richey Lodge donated 45 food boxes and turkeys to residents in need in the community a few days prior to Thanksgiving. The food was from the lodge food pantry, which is stocked using funds from the Elks National Foundation Beacon and Gratitude grants. Each box was valued at approximately $50.The boxes were assembled by Rebecca Soto, grant chair, and her membership team. This is an annual project for the lodge. 

Pictured are recipients Sarah and Avdo Thompson and Rebecca Soto.

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Written by Carol Lee Spages

New Port Richey Lodge members donated more than six pickup truckloads of personal care items, cleaning supplies and other emergency necessities to aid those who were severely affected by Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida. A local roofing company made the delivery with its vehicles in early October, soon after the hurricane hit. The roofing company got involved because it will be putting a new roof on the lodge.

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Written by New Port Richey Elks

On Oct. 24, New Port Richey Elks Lodge #2284 donated hygiene backpacks and hoodie sweatshirts to the Pasco County Sheriff's Department for distribution to individuals who are experiencing homelessness. 

Pictured are Marilee Mills, Exalted Ruler; a Pasco County Sheriff's detective; and Rebecca Soto, grants coordinator.

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Written by Rita Smith

On Oct. 24, Tampa Elks Lodge #708 held its monthly Club Chivalry meeting for students at Robinson High School. There were 33 club members present. Lodge members provided students with T-shirts at no cost to them. The Elks used lodge funds and funds from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. Lodge member Robert Maloney Jr. was a guest speaker and spoke about his 43 years as a nurse. At these meetings, the student officers make most of the plans, while the Elks handle refreshments, raffles and any needed support.

Pictured are Rita Smith, Exalted Ruler, and Carolyn Miller sorting the club shirts for distribution. Also pictured are Antwon Austin, the winner of a $25 gift card; Robert Maloney Jr.; and Jasmine Martin, Club Chivalry student president.