On Aug. 21, Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 donated $500 to Manatee Operation Troop Support (MOTS) which serves military members and their families in Florida’s Manatee and Sarasota counties before, during and after deployment. The donation was from various Veterans Committee funraising events. MOTS receives hundreds of requests each month for items such as food proteins, sweets, fans, clothing, electronics or anything that is not available to service members locally and around the world. They also supply items such as gift cards and vouchers. MOTS is funded completely by donations and volunteers, and they also conduct drawings and similar fundraising events. MOTS was organized in 2008 and certified and recognized in 2009. Pictured are Bill Rauh, Lodge Veterans Chair, and Linda Craig, director of Manatee Operation Troop Support.