In June, Jacksonville Elks Lodge delivered two Welcome Home kits for veterans. David Graham, Exalted Ruler, and Donnie Rowand, House Committee Chair, helped Karen Tracy, Veterans Services Chair, in loading and delivering the kits. Both veterans were very appreciative, and one of them said that receiving the kit took a lot of stress off him. Pictured are veteran Charles, David Graham and Karen Tracy. Also pictured are David Graham and Donnie Rowand with the trailer of kit items for the second veteran. 

On July 23, Karen Tracy, Jacksonville Lodge Veterans Services Chair, and David Graham, Exalted Ruler, helped veteran Joshua move in to his new apartment. He moved in on a Friday with nothing except his backpack and a water bottle. The lodge provided him with a bed, bedding, towels, lamps, nightstand, chairs, waste can, mop and broom. Over the weekend, larger furniture was delivered. Some of the furniture was bought using the Welcome Home kit funds and other pieces were donated. Joshua is the fifth recipient of the lodge’s Welcome Home Kits. Joshua is pictured with some of his new items in his apartment. Also pictured is a truck full of his items.