From Nov. 1 to Nov. 22 and from Dec. 1 to Dec. 20, Venice-Nokomis Elks Lodge #1854 held a food drive for 70 families for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Along with what members and the community donated, the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant was used to assure healthy and balanced meals. For several Saturdays, members sorted and packed food. They also provided food to Laurel Civic Center, which needed food for their aftercare program, and the local food bank. The pandemic has made it difficult for families to handle their most basic of needs and the Elks are committing to helping.