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Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Our Military & Veterans
West Citrus Elks Provide Welcome Home Kits for Veterans
- Details
- Written by West Citrus Elks
On June 26, the West Citrus Elks Lodge Veterans Committee donated eight Welcome Home Kits to the St. Vincent DePaul mission, using funds from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. St. Vincent de Paul works to help unhoused veterans regain employment and a permeant home. Most of these veterans were living in the woods or in their cars or from place to place with friends. The kits include basic cleaning items, dishes, pots and pans, towels, washcloths, cooking items, and a lap quilt made by the West Citrus Elks Sewing for Veterans group.
Pictured in the back are James Swanson, accepting on behalf of St. Vincent De Paul, and members Rick Jeroski, Jill Jeroski and Darlene Hall. In the front are members Eve Emmerling, Sandy Koval, Susan Adams and Pat Leham.
Stuart-Jensen Elks Host Veterans for Lunch at Lodge
- Details
- Written by Stuart-Jensen Elks
On July 8, Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge #1870 hosted lunch for six veterans who traveled from the VA hospital long-term care unit in West Palm Beach. They enjoyed a lunch prepared by Veterans committee member Linda Elliott. Afterward, they enjoyed five games of cash bingo. One of the veterans was a woman over 100 years old, who joined the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and later transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps.
Pictured are Don Nilsson, Veterans Chair; Steven Elliott; Linda Elliott; and Kathy Russell, all who assisted with the event.
Lakeland Elks Celebrate July 4 with Veterans Fundraiser
- Details
- Written by Lakeland Elks
At Lakeland Elks Lodge’s July 4 celebration, members held a fundraiser for unhoused veterans being rehomed to a permanent house of their own. The event raised $1,700 from the sale of tickets for various family games, raffled items, 50/50 raffle tickets and the cost of the meal. Members also donated pantry staples.
Pictured are Steve Masterton, PER, who prepared the dinner, and Char Fisher, Veterans Chair, who chaired the event. Also pictured are donated items.
Fort Myers Elks Lodge Donates Additional Grant to Hearts & Homes for Veterans
- Details
- Written by Diane Hendrick
On Aug. 7, Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 donated its $1,000 Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant to Hearts & Homes for Veterans Inc.
Pictured are District Deputy Roger Spencer and Dale Spain, Hearts & Homes CEO.
Manasota Elks Serve Lunch to Veterans Village Residents and Staff
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On July 22, Manasota Elks Lodge #2734 held a barbecue lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, baked beans and ice cream at Veterans Village. About 20 veteran residents and staff members attended. Funds from the Elks National Foundation Focus Grant were used to purchase for the food, and Lodge Veterans Committee members prepared and served the food.
Pictured are Jim Klocke, PER; Dave, a resident; Sherri Kramer, Lodge Treasurer; and another veteran resident.
Fort Myers Elks Lodge Supports Hearts & Homes for Veterans Inc.
- Details
- Written by Diane Hendrick
On July 16, Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 presented a $13,500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Veterans Inc., which supports veterans and their families experiencing homelessness and who find themselves without the necessities of everyday life. This donation was made with funds from the Elks National Foundation Beacon, Gratitude and Spotlight grants.
Pictured are Lisa Kaiser, Hearts & Homes office manager; Diane Hendrick, lodge board chair; Dale Spain, Hearts & Homes CEO; Mike Grafe, Exalted Ruler; Vicki Carter, Loyal Knight.
Bradenton Elks Donate Supplies for Veterans at Bay Pines
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- Written by Paul Hollingsworth
On June 23, Bill Rauh, Bradenton Elks Lodge Veterans Chair, brought $667 worth of supplies donated by members to Bay Pines Veterans Home in St. Petersburg. Items included underwear, toiletries and toothbrushes.
Pictured are Bill Rauh and Johnny Miller, Bay Pines VAVS representative.
West Palm Beach Elks Host Karaoke and Dinner for Veterans
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- Written by West Palm Beach Elks
On May 29, West Palm Beach Elks Lodge #1352 invited a group of veterans from the local VA hospital who are blind for an evening of music, camaraderie and celebration. The karaoke night, specially organized to honor the veterans, brought joy and laughter that filled the lodge with pride and purpose.
Pictured are veterans and lodge members.
Winter Garden Elks Riders Raise Funds for Challenge 22
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- Written by Winter Garden Elks
On May 26, the Winter Garden Elks Riders presented Challenge 22 with the $4,000 they raised from their Feb. 8 charity ride. Challenge 22’s mission is to end veteran suicide.
Pictured are Austin Arthur and Kurt Geis, lodge members and leaders of Challenge 22.
Cocoa Beach Elks Shop with Eight Veterans for Items to Set up their New Homes
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- Written by Susan Janes
On June 11, eight members of Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge #2387 shopped with eight veterans at Dollar General in Cocoa Beach, purchasing $3218.30 worth of goods for the veterans. With the coupons that are downloaded, the discounts from Dollar General and the money for the ENVSC Welcome Home Kits, they spend approximately $400 per veteran on items to help the veterans set up their new home.
Pictured are member Gene Phillips and a veteran after shopping.
South Miami/Coral Gables Elks Lodge Donates Supplies for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
- Details
- Written by South Miami/Coral Gables Elks
Between March 11 and April 1, South Miami/Coral Gables Elks Lodge #1676 used its Elks National Foundation Beacon and Spotlight grants. Members Rick Del Vecchio and Fred Jaca, PDD met with VA personnel to determine what was needed to help veterans experiencing homelessness. The lodge then spent $5,874.48 on backpacks and members filled them with socks, toiletries, mosquito repellant, flip-flops, rain ponchos, dried fruit packs, tuna and chicken packets, protein bars, and food gift cards for 120 veterans.
Pictured delivering the backpacks to VA staff members Britney Brice, Denise Ramirez and Tatyana Anglade are Fred Jaca, PDD, Exalted Ruler; and Rick Del Vecchio, Lodge Grants Coordinator.
Perry Elks Share Beacon Grant with Local Veterans
- Details
- Written by Perry Elks
On April 13, Perry Elks Lodge #1851 divided its $4,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant among three entities. Members visited veterans residing at Aspire at Big Bend Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Using $1,275 of the grant funds, they purchased personalized clothing with each veteran’s branch of service. Each vet also received a handmade lap blanket made by member Ann-Marie Preman. Eric Hodge, PER and Felisa Calhoun, Exalted Ruler, are pictured giving a local veteran at Aspire an Army T-shirt. Also pictured are Eric Hodge, PER; Felisa Calhoun; and Ann-Marie Preman giving a blanket to a veteran at Aspire.
The lodge donated $2,500 from the Beacon Grant to the local Senior Citizens Center, which supports and serves many veterans daily. Pictured at the check presentation with residents are Jim Daly, member; Gordon Brown, Lecturing Knight; Earline Neeley, Lodge Secretary; Rachel Russell, senior center director; Sylvia Ellanson, trustee; Eric Hodge, PER; Pat Ferguson, member; David Harden, Esquire; Jeanne Harden, Leading Knight; Vera Howell, Tiler; and Wayne Padgett, Taylor County Sheriff and member.
The remaining $225 was shared with the local American Legion/Veterans Service to help repair their accessible ramp, which was damaged by a hurricane. Felisa Calhoun, Exalted Ruler, right, is pictured giving the check to Jim Day, Post Commander of Taylor County Memorial American Legion #96.