On Dec. 21, South Miami/Coral Gables Elks Lodge #1676 delivered 100 backpacks to the Miami VA Healthcare System to be distributed to veterans experiencing homelessness. The backpacks included tents, ponchos, mosquito repellant, unscented baby wipes, toilet paper, socks, various toiletries, protein bars, dried fruit packs and food gift cards. The funds used to purchase these items came from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission $1,000 Freedom Grant and $10,000 Focus Grant. Members Rick Del Vecchio and Capt. Fred Jaca, PDD delivered the packages to the VA.
Lodge members are pictured packing the backpacks.