South Southwest District

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Written by Deep Creek Elks

Deep Creek Elks Lodge #2763 used its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to take two groups of nine children from Genesis House homeless shelter shopping at Walmart for school clothes and shoes. The lodge used its Elks National Foundation Anniversary Grant for The Academy, an alternative school for high-risk students. School spirit T-shirts and gift cards were provided for their positive reinforcement program.

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Written by Punta Gorda Elks

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 held its 12th annual bocce tournament with 19 teams consisting of 70 players. Proceeds from the sign-ups and raffle tickets totaling $1,002 were donated to Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services.

Punta Gorda Lodge hosts a blood drive every 56 days. At a current blood drive, 48 pints were donated. One pint saves three lives, so lodge members saved 144 lives.

The Punta Gorda Lodge Past Exalted Rulers Association donated $500 in January to the 40th annual Powder Puff charity golf classic which benefits Tidewell Hospice. Tidewell Hospice provides care for terminally ill patients and their families.

Punta Gorda Lodge donated $1,000 in food products in January and February to St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. Additionally, the proceeds from bar bingo of $1,400 were contributed to the lodge scholarship fund.

Punta Gorda Lodge purchased and installed three security doors at Hope Academy at Crossroads using funds from a grant. The project was completed at the end of March. Hope Academy is the name of the school at Crossroads, a nonprofit 501(c)3 home and charter school for foster boys who have had multiple failed placements in the Florida foster care system. 

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Written by Christine Horn

Rotonda Elks Lodge #2710 used their $2,000 from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and the $2,000 from the Florida State Elks Association’s matching grant to help C.A.R.E., the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies. Their mission statement is “to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes in Ch​arlotte County. C.A.R.E. works to create safety in our community by helping survivors and by promoting nonviolent and healthy relationships by education and example.” Lodge members’ spouses shopped for women’s and children’s clothing for the center’s clients.

Carol Stuppleben, Sharon Linton and Becky Kelly, spouses of Rotonda Lodge members, shop for clothes to donate to the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies using the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and the FSEA matching grant.

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Written by Judy Hopkins

In December 2018, Pine Island Elementary School hosted the Hoop Shoot sponsored by Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge #2781. During the competition, SRO Cpl. W. Rivera noticed that the school’s basketballs were worn and in need of replacement. After the Hoop Shoot, Rivera was speaking with a lodge member about the school’s need for new basketballs. Lodge Exalted Ruler, Judy Hopkins, overheard the conversation and agreed to help with the purchase and donation of 10 new basketballs. The balls were purchased with funds from Greater Pine Island Lodge’s charitable trust and presented them to the school Jan. 24.

Pictured at the basketball presentation to Pine Island Elementary School by Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge Jan 24 are Cpl. W. Rivera, SRO; Judy Hopkins, Exalted Ruler; Lee Wilbur, Treasurer; S. Hook, principal; and J. Whitt, coach/PE teacher.

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Written by Estelle Dichazi

Englewood Lodge hosted their children's Christmas party Dec. 15. Each of the 115 children in attendance received a gift.