On Aug. 18, a group from Ocala Elks Lodge #286 split into two teams and went shopping at two Walmart stores for items to make welcome home kits for veterans in the community. The initiative was funded by an Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. The lodge will partner with Volunteers of America, HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing social workers and other community partners to reach the intended audience. Lodge members will use the items purchased to make basic welcome home kits and work with each veteran on a case-by-case basis depending on the individual's circumstance. The welcome home kits will allow the lodge to address a pressing need in their community, which is assisting homeless veterans to settle into their new home. This allows them to become self-sufficient, have pride in their new home and ultimately leads to increasing their self-esteem.
Pictured are Roy Wimmer; Mike Kuminka; George Cooke, PER; Pam VanNess Kinard; David Clayton; and Della Wimmer, spouse.
Also pictured are Karen Hogan Servers; Kim Hollis-Morrill; Mike Miller, PER; Patricia Miller; Linda Butler Moulton; and George Griffin III, PER.