On Nov. 22, Gainesville Lodge hosted several veterans and their social workers for an appreciation luncheon. The veterans received Welcome Home kits, which are intended to serve veterans who are exiting homelessness and entering permanent housing. The kits included linens and bedding items, dishes, pots, pans, towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, laundry baskets and detergent, mops, brooms, dustpans, and a wide variety of other items. Seven veterans were chosen by their social workers to participate in the program and provided the lodge with specific wish lists to meet their immediate needs. Requests ranged from dishes and silverware, shower curtains, and washcloths to chairs, couches and beds. The lodge worked with local furniture company Walker Furniture, who donated several pieces of furniture for the veterans, and additional items were donated by lodge members. The lodge also utilized the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Welcome Home Kits program. All items were delivered to the veterans at their new homes by Elks volunteers. The veterans were extremely grateful, but the Elks were more grateful for their service. The event was featured on a local news channel.
Pictured are a social worker whose name was unavailable, veteran Peter Jones, veteran Lisette Orelleno Rolon, social workers Susanne Fischer-Martinez and Sue Lassin, veteran Dean Herman, and Elks Lynne Meyers and Linda Califf. Also pictured is a selection of items for the veterans.