Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 is actively involved with the veterans’ Welcome Home Kit program, offered by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. Past Secretary Linda Califf, Lodge Veterans Chair, completed a shopping trip for three veterans’ kits, which include cleaning supplies, towels, washcloths and a blanket. The lodge then completes the veterans’ wish list, which covers all items they desire to completely set up their homes for independent living. Such items include pots and pans, dishes, glassware, utensils, microwaves, coffee pots, crock pots, toaster ovens, vacuums, sheets and comforters, can openers, toasters, and many other items they choose with the assistance of their social workers at the HUD-VASH Honor Center.

Linda Califf is shown with items purchased on the lodge’s 26th Welcome Home Kit shopping trip, which brings the total number of veterans served to 103. The items were delivered August 19.