South Southwest District

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Written by Deep Creek Elks

On July 31, Deep Creek Elks Lodge #2763 used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to take 10 school children and three preschoolers from Genesis House Homeless Shelter shopping for school clothes. The school aged children received backpacks, school supplies and back-to-school clothing and shoes. The preschoolers received clothing, shoes and pull-ups. Lodge members also purchased four bookbags and filled them with school supplies for children who would be entering the shelter in the near future. Lodge members enjoy helping the kids make their choices and seeing the joy on their faces with their new clothes. Assisting the happy shoppers were PDD Truman Bass and his wife, Linda; PDD Kay Neilley; Bill Flecken, PER, Exalted Ruler, and his wife, Kathy; Peggy Sue Dygert, Chaplain; Carol Aitchison, Lecturing Knight; and Cheri Usowicz, member. They were accompanied by Officer Lou Henyecz of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office who works very closely with the shelter.

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Written by Fort Myers Elks

Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 celebrated Christmas in July on the 20th with a $1,530 donation to Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services (FECTS). Throughout June and July, members and guests were encouraged to purchase an ornament to place on a Christmas tree that was set up in the lodge room. FECTS therapist Christina Walker along with her patient, 5-year-old Isaac, and his grandmother, accept the check from Exalted Ruler, Melba McCleave.

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Written by Estelle Dichazi

On July 7, Englewood Elks Lodge #2378 covered the cost for 90 kids to attend a week of summer camp at the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Fla. At $180 per camper, the lodge paid $16,200. They also provided bus transportation.

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Written by Judy Hopkins

On May 14 at the lodge, Greater Pine Island Lodge presented five $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors which can be used for tuition, books, or other acceptable facets of education at either a certification or licensing program or toward a college degree. Each scholarship is paid to the student's I.D. account at their next school. Hannah Holloway of St. James City, Fla., is a graduate from Mariner High School and will be attending Georgia Southwestern State University to pursue a degree in education. Hannah Bryan is a Bokeelia resident and graduate from Mariner High School and will attend the University of Florida to study family, youth and community sciences. Mia Nelson lives in St. James City and is a graduate of Cape Coral High School and will attend Connecticut College to study behavioral neuroscience, psychology, philosophy and a pre-law track. Kaylin Hill of St. James City is a North Fort Myers High School graduate and will attend the University of Central Florida seeking a degree in biomedical sciences. Ruddy Ditch lives in Bokeelia and graduated from North Fort Myers High School and will attend the University of Florida to earn a degree in environmental science.

Ruddy Ditch, Hannah Bryan, Kaylin Hill and Hannah Holloway receive $2,000 scholarships from Greater Pine Island Lodge May 14. Scholarship recipient Mia Nelson is not pictured.

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Written by Deep Creek Elks

Deep Creek Lodge held their Flag Day ceremony June 14. They were assisted by four members of the American Legion Post 110 who performed the raising of the flag, the 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps” during the outdoor ceremony. The ceremony was then moved inside and PDD Truman Bass and PER Bill Flecken performed the Flag Day ritual. The flags were presented by members of the American Legion. Afterward, a light luncheon was served to lodge members and guests. Approximately 75 people attended.