On July 10, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 used its $1,000 Elks National Foundation Freedom Spark Grant to support Operation Barnabas, a charitable, veteran-founded organization whose mission is to provide support to veterans of northeast Florida. They help with temporary housing, transportation and employment to combat homelessness, provide counseling and mentorships, and assist with education. The lodge donated 25 baskets of cleaning supplies, toiletries and kitchen utensils to support the organization’s transitional housing project. Each basket included a thank-you note for the veteran’s service. The lodge hosted Operation Barnabas staff at their Christmas-in-July event. The Lodge's Past Exalted Rulers Association also donated $1,000 to the organization from its charitable bingo.
Lodge members pictured packing supply baskets are Tracy Carroll, PER, grant coordinator; Joy Elrod, Lecturing Knight; Kathie Thompson, PER; Sandra Mead; Bonnie Conti, Inner Guard; Kristine Watson, House Committee chair; Laquetta WIllimon, Tiler; Bob Russell; Lynn Elrod, Loyal Knight; and Jean Maddox, event coordinator.
Also pictured are (back row) Ben Hickey, Operation Barnabas Board of Directors chair; Jackson Greene, Operation Barnabas communications intern; Tracy Carroll, PER, grant coordinator; and Paul Orvosh, PDD. In the front row are Lynn Elrod, Loyal Knight, and Barbara Thompson, Leading Knight.
An appreciation note is also shown.