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Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Our Military & Veterans
Viera Elks Provide Furniture to Veterans Moving to Permanent Housing
- Details
- Written by Becky Wills
Viera Elks Lodge #2817 continued their support of local veterans at the end of 2021 by providing $900 worth of furniture to six veterans transitioning to permanent housing. The funds were provided by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Focus Grant. The program is Volunteers of America/Supportive Services for Veterans Families (VOA/SSVF).
Aripeka Elks Feed 250 Veterans who are Homeless
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- Written by John Gudavich, PDD
On Nov. 24, members of Aripeka Lodge’s Veterans Committee cooked 22 turkeys along with sides and fed 250 veterans in Hudson, Florida, who are homeless. Most of these veterans live in the surrounding woods and appreciated a hot turkey dinner and the camaraderie. Since then, the Veterans Committee and lodge members have adopted a veterans’ homeless outreach group and continue to gather clothing and personal hygiene items to donate to these veterans. Pictured with the turkeys is John Gudavich, PDD, lodge advisor.
Aripeka Elks Donate $28,000 to K-9 Partners for Patriots
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- Written by John Gudavich
During Aripeka Elks Lodge’s Veterans Day observance and observance of the fallen of 9/11, members of the lodge donated $28,000 to K-9 Partners for Patriots. This organization purchases and trains dogs for veterans with PTSD and other severe disabling conditions because of their service to this country. This donation allowed them to purchase and train four K-9s for veterans in need. Recently deceased Exalted Ruler, Bob Russell, was a supporter of this organization. As a result, one of the K-9 dogs will be named Bob and a second K-9 will be named Russell. Members of the lodge will be invited to the graduation ceremony for these two K-9s and their veterans to witness the veterans receiving their K-9 partners.
Eustis Elks Help Veterans at Fort McCoy VFW Retirement Home Celebrate Christmas
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- Written by Eustis.Elks
On Dec. 9, Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 held a Christmas party for the veterans at Fort McCoy VFW Retirement Home. Funds from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant provided lunch and funds from the lodge charity account provided gift cards for each veteran. Ron Locke, PDD, Exalted Ruler, along with Santa (Terry Jones) and Santa’s helpers were on hand to provide entertainment.
Operation Barnabas Receives Donation from Green Cove Springs Lodge Past Exalted Rulers Association Charity Bingo Funds
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- Written by Green Cove Springs Elks
On Nov. 11, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 hosted a dinner to recognize veterans and their families. The guest speaker represented Operation Barnabas, an organization that provides support and assistance to local veterans. The lodge’s Past Exalted Rulers Association donated $1,000 from its charity bingo funds to Operation Barnabas. Pictured are Past Exalted Rulers presenting the check to Operation Barnabas members.
Active-Duty Service Members Have Lunch at St. Augustine Elks Lodge During USO/St. Augustine PAL Military Appreciation Day
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- Written by Patti Shipley
The annual USO/St. Augustine PAL Military Appreciation Day took place Dec. 4. During this event, local attractions offer free admission for all active-duty service members and their families. St. Augustine Elks Lodge #829 participated by providing lunch and handing out goody bags to the children at the lodge. The lodge served 177 lunches with the assistance of 10 lodge members and 23 USO and Ladies of the Confederacy volunteers.
Pictured are military families enjoying lunch at the lodge.
Venice-Nokomis Lodge has Active Quarter Collecting Donations for Veterans and Active-Duty Military Members
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- Written by Venice-Nokomis Elks
From Oct. 15 to Oct. 30, Venice-Nokomis Elks Lodge #1854 participated in the Clear your Stash project of California. Knitters made hats and scarves for active-duty military members. On Nov. 11, the lodge presented Sherpa blankets to veterans. Between Nov. 15 and Nov. 23, the lodge collected items for active-duty military members in South Korea such as puzzles, candy and books. During December, they collected items such as candy, jerky, socks and hats for other overseas troops.
South Hillsborough Elks Donate More than 100 Wreaths to Wreaths Across America
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- Written by South Hillsborough Elks
Through Nov. 17, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672 raised $1,680 for Wreaths Across America. This allowed the organization to place 112 wreaths at veterans’ gravesites at Bay Pines and Sarasota national cemeteries.
Manasota Elks Cook and Serve Thanksgiving Dinner to Veterans at Veterans Village
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- Written by Manasota Elks
For the fourth consecutive year, Manasota Elks Lodge #2734 prepared and served Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 25 at Veterans Village in Bradenton, Florida. The lodge served 30 people with four turkeys and side dishes. Veterans Village temporarily houses veterans who are homeless with addiction or mental health issues. The staff works with the veterans to provide access to counseling, education and a place to live until they can become self-sufficient. Pictured is lodge member Karen Potter.
Sebring Elks Lodge Hosts Annual Veterans Luncheon
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- Written by Ronna Mason, PER
Sebring Lodge held its annual Christmas luncheon Nov. 15 for 25 veterans who are residents at three local nursing homes —The Pines, Sunny Hills and The Palms. Santa Claus (Patrick Sullivan who is not a member) presented each guest with a gift and card purchased by the lodge. After the meal, each veteran who chose to was given the chance to speak about his or her participation in the service. Pictured are Santa giving a gift to a veteran and another veteran speaking about his time in the service.
Warrington Elks Participate in Community Veterans Stand Down
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- Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER
Warrington Lodge members volunteered to prepare hamburgers and hot dogs and to stuff goody bags for veterans in attendance at the Veterans Stand Down held Oct. 22 in the west Pensacola-Brownsville area of northwest Florida. The lodge used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to purchase the food as well as the snacks and personal hygiene kits for the bags. The event served more than 300 veterans. This is an annual event and the whole community comes together to ensure its success.
James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Receives Support from Zephyrhills Lodge
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- Written by Zephyrhills Elks
On Sept. 29, more than $4,000 from Zephyrhills Lodge’s Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and Florida State Elks Association matching funds were donated to the following sections of James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida — Women's Veterans, Caregiver Support, Oncology and Veteran Centers. Pictured are Paul Nutting, PER, Exalted Ruler; Shirley Crawford, Inner Guard; Judy Osgood, Lodge Elks National Foundation Fundraising Chair; Michael Evans, Director of Tampa Veterans Centers; Angela Reinhardt, administrative assistant; and Ken Fabiani, PER, Lodge Veterans Chair.