Northwest District

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Written by Harriet Gossett

On Dec. 16, Pensacola Beach Lodge donated $2,000 to Pensacola Beach Elementary School. Accepting the donation is Susan McLeod, principal, from Dan Smith, Exalted Ruler. 

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

On Dec. 16, Destin Lodge awarded the $1,750 from its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to Harvest House, which provided Christmas dinner to 80 local families. Their mission is to supply food, clothing and shelter to those at a point of need in their life. Harvest House has a food pantry and a thrift store. Their services are provided to the community members of Destin and Miramar Beach, Florida. Pictured are Terri Griffin, lodge grant coordinator; Lori Joyner, Harvest House director; and Robert Griffin, lodge treasurer.

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Written by Crestview Elks

Crestview Elks Lodge #2624 sponsored the 2021 Okaloosa County 4-H Chick Chain and Poultry Show Oct. 21. There were 381 children involved in the program leading up to this show, which was nearly a yearlong program. After 20 weeks of care and training, the poultry show was held. Elk member and Okaloosa County 4-H/Director with the University of Florida IFAS, Ronnie Cowan, was so pleased with the success of this year’s program. Crestview Lodge donated more than $300 toward it as well as in-kind donations valued at more than $10,000 for volunteer hours, cost of eggs, delivery and travel. The Chick Chain was open to all Okaloosa County youths ages 5 to 18. The program targeted the agriculture chain, life science, responsibility and life skills. The 4-H Chick Chain program provided students with hands-on experience that covered the life cycle of the chicken from incubation to hatching including care for the chickens for 20 weeks. This program teaches leadership, responsibility and civic understanding. Annabelle and her sister, Ella, showed their chickens at the poultry show, where Annabelle sold her chickens. When Ella did not sell her prize-winning birds, she was notified that she couldn’t keep them because of a city ordinance not allowing them in city limits, so Annabelle jumped into action. She wrote a letter to her city council member explaining her experiences in the 4-H Chick Chain and how much she learned. She also addressed the city council members in person about the city ordinance. Because of her efforts and involvement in 4-H, the city of Crestview now allows backyard poultry. The partnership of the Elks and 4-H not only teaches 4-H lessons but also helps young people learn civic-minded leadership.

Pictured are Annabelle Brush and Ella Brush showing their Chick Chain chickens.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

Destin Lodge donated $1,500 Nov. 3 to the brand-new Destin High School which opened its doors in August 2021. The donation will cover the costs of two automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These AEDs are portable, lifesaving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly. Pictured are Christine Cruickshank, principal; Robert Griffin, treasurer; Terri Griffin, Elks National Foundation lodge grant coordinator; and Gloria Meade, chaplain.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

On Oct. 28, Destin Lodge awarded the $2,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida. Their mission is to work and assist the poor and vulnerable. Many community neighbors are facing eviction or unable to pay their utility bills due to a job loss or reduced hours. Many are going to bed hungry because they don’t have enough food to feed their families. By caring about the individual needs of those they serve, they are transforming lives and providing hope for the future. Pictured are Arielle May, volunteer; Eva Wise, executive director of Catholic Social Services; Robert Griffin, treasurer; Terri Griffin, Elks National Foundation lodge grant coordinator; Gloria Meade, chaplain; and Nick Hutchinson, volunteer.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

On Oct. 28, Destin Elks Lodge #2688 awarded $1,750 from its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to Sharing & Caring Inc. of Okaloosa County. The mission of Sharing & Caring is to serve the community as an emergency food bank, providing a basic staple of foods for individuals and families in need who qualify. It is available to anyone who resides within the area of Hurlburt Field on the west, to Destin on the east and to Eglin Air Force Base on the north. Their clients include families, children, seniors, those without homes and those who are unemployed. The majority of clients are often referred to them by churches, social agencies or word of mouth.

Pictured at the check presentation are Robert Griffin, treasurer; Terri Griffin, Elks National Foundation lodge grant coordinator; Michele Seitz of Sharing & Caring; and Gloria Meade, chaplain.