South Southwest District

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Written by Judy Hopkins, PER

On May 6, Greater Pine Island Lodge funded a shredding event for islanders to bring their documents to be shredded, and in return, monetary donations could be made to Pine Island Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT), an after-school program that directly meets the Elks National Foundation’s mission of building stronger communities by investing in youth programs that improve the quality of life in the community. PILOT is a free after-school enrichment program offered at Pine Island United Methodist Church. Its mission is to challenge the hearts and minds of Pine Island youth to encourage growth and excellence in vital areas such as critical thinking, responsibility, group dynamics and community involvement. Second through fifth grade students at Pine Island Elementary School are recommended by their teachers to take part in the program. Once students begin participating, the purpose is for them to remain in the program through high school graduation. Transportation and dinner are also provided at no cost to students. The lodge has sponsored the shredding event for the last three years. The Pine Island Food Pantry had been the recipient of the donations, but this year the lodge decided to support another Elks National Foundation grant recipient.

Pictured are students from PILOT at the shredding event. Also pictured are Tracy Carpenter, Lecturing Knight, and member Susan Chura.

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Written by Diane Hendrick

On March 26, Fort Myers Ladies of Elks held a fashion show featuring fashions from the North Fort Myers Hope Chest Resale Store. Proceeds were evenly divided between Hope Chest and the Fort Myers Elks building fund. Proceeds from Hope Chest help to provide comforting, compassionate care for those with serious illness, as well as their families.

Pictured are Kathy Lake, Ladies President, presenting a check for $487 to Jane Davis from Hope Chest. Ladies members Irma Spencer and Vicki Carter are also pictured.

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Written by Linda Killian

Peggie Sue Dygert, Exalted Ruler of Deep Creek Elks Lodge #2763, points to her lodge’s name at the top of the donor banner displayed at the Florida Elks Charities Unmasking Autism Gala in St. Petersburg, Florida, April 22. The lodge raised the largest amount for selling hearts for the Heartbeat Campaign in support of the gala. The lodge worked to sell the hearts to members and their guests. They started right after Christmas with an autism heart tree, which became filled with purchased hearts, but they continued collecting donations.

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Written by Linda Killian

Peggie Sue Dygert, Exalted Ruler of Deep Creek Elks Lodge #2763, points to her lodge’s name at the top of the donor banner displayed at the Florida Elks Charities Unmasking Autism Gala in St. Petersburg, Florida, April 22. The lodge raised the largest amount for selling hearts for the Heartbeat Campaign in support of the gala. The lodge worked to sell the hearts to members and their guests. They started right after Christmas with an autism heart tree, which became filled with purchased hearts, but they continued collecting donations.

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Written by Teresa Bird

On April 20, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 hosted one of its regular blood drives. The One Blood organization donated a T-shirt and a $20 gift card to donors. A total of 27 pints were donated by lodge members. One pint saves three lives, so from this drive, 81 lives can be saved.

Pictured is Ambrose Yelovich, PER, Chaplain, who has donated 26 gallons and 6 pints of blood to date.