On July 1, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672 donated $1,000 from its Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant to My Warrior’s Place in Ruskin, Florida. My Warrior’s Place is a retreat center for veterans; military service members; law enforcement officers; firefighters; and Gold Star, Blue Star, and Silver Star families. The organization also offers several programs for those who have put their lives on the line for others’ safety and well-being, endured the death of a fallen warrior, or experienced the horrors of war. Each program plays an important role in the healing and coping process. The lodge’s donation will be used to temporarily compensate for a veteran experiencing homelessness to stay in one of the cottages.
Pictured are Kelly Kowal, founder and director of My Warrior’s Place, and Joyce Dominick Schaefer, PER, lodge grant coordinator.