Using the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and under the guidance of Caroleen Swanson and Tammy Kuhn, project officers, Twin Cities Elks Lodge #2747 conducted the lodge’s eighth annual Backpacks and School Supplies for Kids initiative July 30 and Aug. 4. In cooperation with The United Way’s Sharing and Caring of Okaloosa County, the lodge purchased and donated 103 backpacks valued at $2,035 and $2,000 in school supplies to returning students in the Niceville and Valparaiso community. This program provides much-needed school supplies to local students and their families needing assistance defraying back-to-school expenses. Distribution was made at the lodge and the Sharing and Caring facility in Niceville. The students showed so much appreciation.
Pictured at the lodge are Florena Dowdy; Tammy Kuhn; Joyce Griffin, Tiler; Lorraine Jones; Caroleen Swanson, Treasurer; Ron Peterson; Ann Kur; Bob Griffin, trustee; Tom Kuhn, PER; and Kim Cauley.