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Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Our Military & Veterans
Army of Hope Receives Donation from Hollywood West Lodge
- Details
- Written by Hollywood West Elks
On Jan. 23, Hollywood West Elks Lodge #2365 hosted Re-Creation as the dinner entertainment at the lodge. The event raised $1,000 for the Army of Hope, a Florida Elks program designed to support military families. In addition, a basket raffle brought in $1,000 for the Elks National Foundation which was presented to Grand Exalted Ruler, Robert Duitsman, by Jim Blanchard, Exalted Ruler, Feb. 6 at the Florida Elks quarterly meeting at the Florida Elks Youth Camp.
Boca Raton Elks Offer Dolphin Therapy to Veterans
- Details
- Written by Boca Raton Elks
The Veterans Committee of Boca Raton Elks Lodge #2166 continues its monthly trips to Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo, Florida, with veterans. These visits offer dolphin therapy to veterans suffering from various afflictions, including PTSD. The visits are funded by the Elks National Foundation Beacon and Freedom grants and the Harry-Anna Trust Fund matching Beacon Grant. Pictured is a young Florida Atlantic University/Palm Beach State College veteran interacting with a dolphin.
Manasota Lodge Donates Knife Sets to Vets 2 Success
- Details
- Written by Diane Davis
On March 5, Manasota Elks Lodge #2734 presented to Vets 2 Success founder, Bryan Jacobs, five Mercer Culinary Millennia eight-piece knife roll sets and five Mercer Culinary Mercer rules purchased with the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. These culinary products are for the next Vets 2 Success veteran culinary training. Vets 2 Success offers a solution for returning veterans to learn a new skill that will give them purpose in their lives and the ability to support themselves and their families. Manasota Lodge has been supporting Vets 2 Success for three years with the Elks National Foundation Community Investments Program. Pictured are Ken Davis; Diane Davis; Jan “Spike” Klocke; Jim Klocke, Manasota Veterans chairman; Bryan Jacobs, Vets 2 Success founder; Ginny Kollath and Jim Kollath.
Four More Veterans have Homes Furnished by Zephyrhills Lodge
- Details
- Written by Ken Fabiani, PER
Cornelius Gray Jr. with Ken Fabiani, PER Ken Fabiani, PER with Frank Camibge
Ken Fabiani, PER with Barbara Limbert and Dee Mauro Dee Mauro with Willie BJ Spann and Ken Fabiani, PER
Zephyrhills Lodge furnished four more veterans' homes between Feb. 27 and March 6.
Punta Gorda Lodge Hosts Army of Hope Fundraiser
- Details
- Written by Tim Pohto
The South Southwest District Army of Hope was held at Punta Gorda Lodge Feb. 23 and raised more than $17,200 for deployed military families and disabled veterans. Funds were raised in several ways. Food and beverages that were donated were sold to attendees. They also held a Chinese auction and 50/50 and lottery boards. Donations were also received. There were approximately 1,500 members and guests as this was open to the public. The local American Legion and JROTC were in attendance to present the colors. Six bands donated their time to play throughout the day.
Jacksonville Lodge Hosts Baby Shower for Military Mothers
- Details
- Written by Deborah McCabe Reedy
Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 hosted a community baby shower for military mothers Feb. 15 using funds from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant and member donations from the lodge’s diaper drive. Ten mothers were in attendance with their husbands or friends and their children. “Events like these are so special for our military families that don’t have any family in the area. Because of this we asked each mom to send us their wish list of items that they would like to receive at the baby shower,” says Deborah McCabe Reedy, PER, a member of Saratoga-Wilton, New York Lodge #161 who volunteers with Jacksonville Lodge. Gifts included a stroller/car seat set, highchair, baby swings, travel playpen, bathtubs, hygiene products, baby clothes, pacifiers, toys, bottles, bath towels and wash cloths, diapers, and wipes. The mothers also got to choose a homemade baby blanket crocheted by McCabe Reedy. Lunch, homemade cookies and treats were provided as well and was handled by member Sarah Schllesinger. Guests played games with the winners receiving gift bags donated by member Susan Kelly as well as an “Advance My Baby” book from the Florida State Elks Association. Kelly also hosted baby trivia. A raffle drawing earned two attendees a diaper cake made by member Robin Pipkins. Carmel Reed oversaw the children’s reading room. Brent Reedy, also a member of Saratoga-Wilton Lodge, helped shop for and transport the larger items with McCabe Reedy and donated the collection box for the diaper drive and pizza for the shower. Jacksonville Lodge Exalted Ruler, Bill Watson, offered his and the lodge’s assistance if they were ever in need of help with anything. J acksonville Elks Lodge #221 hosted a community baby shower for military mothers Feb. 15 using funds from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant and member donations from the lodge’s diaper drive. Ten mothers were in attendance with their husbands or friends and their children. “Events like these are so special for our military families that don’t have any family in the area. Because of this we asked each mom to send us their wish list of items that they would like to receive at the baby shower,” says Deborah McCabe Reedy, PER, a member of Saratoga-Wilton, New York Lodge #161 who volunteers with Jacksonville Lodge. Gifts included a stroller/car seat set, highchair, baby swings, travel playpen, bathtubs, hygiene products, baby clothes, pacifiers, toys, bottles, bath towels and wash cloths, diapers, and wipes. The mothers also got to choose a homemade baby blanket crocheted by McCabe Reedy. Lunch, homemade cookies and treats were provided as well and was handled by member Sarah Schllesinger. Guests played games with the winners receiving gift bags donated by member Susan Kelly as well as an “Advance My Baby” book from the Florida State Elks Association. Kelly also hosted baby trivia. A raffle drawing earned two attendees a diaper cake made by member Robin Pipkins. Carmel Reed oversaw the children’s reading room. Brent Reedy, also a member of Saratoga-Wilton Lodge, helped shop for and transport the larger items with McCabe Reedy and donated the collection box for the diaper drive and pizza for the shower. Jacksonville Lodge Exalted Ruler, Bill Watson, offered his and the lodge’s assistance if they were ever in need of help with anything.
Kelly Stull from Blue Star Families of Jacksonville was in attendance as well, and each family received a generous amount of books and the kids received T-shirts.
Wendy Weir-Layton of Blue Star Families helped by finding the families to invite. The guests appreciated how welcome they were made to feel by the members. The lodge hopes to continue this event as an ongoing project in their military community with more Elks National Foundation grants.
Jacksonville Lodge members Susan Kelly and Dixie Ward; Kelly Stull from Blue Star Families; member Betsy Bryant; and Deborah McCabe Reedy, PER look over books at Jacksonville Lodge Feb. 15 that were donated to promote literacy.
Largo Elks Continue Operation Little Big Feet
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- Written by Largo Elks
Alice Wallace, project coordinator for Largo Elks Lodge's Operation Little Big Feet, and Edyie Day, Lodge Treasurer, prepare boxes of handmade newborn sweaters, hats, blankets, and baby toys to be sent to the Naval base pediatric department in Jacksonville, Florida. This shipment went out Feb. 20. The lodge has been sending items here for almost two years. Donations over this time period are valued at over $4,000. The base hospital has approximately 3,000 births per year.
Veterans Attend Tampa Lodge Dinner
- Details
- Written by Rita Smith
On Feb. 28, Tampa Elks Lodge #708 hosted 25 veterans from James A. Haley VA Hospital and the VA domiciliary for dinner and dessert. To their surprise, one of their lodge members was on the bus from the VAMC. Pictured are veteran Carl Camon, Tampa Lodge volunteer Carolyn Miller, and Tampa Elk and veteran Walter Steward.
Inverness Elks Furnish Homes of Veterans Transitioning from Homelessness
- Details
- Written by Inverness Elks
Utilizing the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant, Inverness Elks Lodge #2522 helped four veterans feel welcome as they transitioned from a state of homelessness to their own home. Veterans Chairperson, Mike Orndorff, with the assistance of Juanita Emrich and other lodge members acquired home supplies, personal hygiene items, furniture, and furnishings through purchases and donations. Three of the veterans started with little or nothing; now they all have furnished homes.
On Dec. 27, lodge member Juanita Emrich and Veterans chairperson Mike Orndorff (taking photo) deliver items to veteran Ricky Minzer, a disabled Marine, and his caregiver, Tina.
On Jan. 10, Ken Kolessar, a disabled Korean War Navy veteran, receives household products and a toaster oven delivered by Mike Orndorff, Veterans Chairperson.
On Feb. 11, lodge members Mike Orndorff, Juanita Emrich and Mike Pombier deliver household furnishings to Army veteran Jeff Chessman.
On Feb. 13, Veterans Chairperson Mike Orndorff shakes the hand of Mike Harris, a disabled Gulf War Army veteran, during the first of several deliveries of household items and donated furniture. Lodge member Juanita Emrich was also at the delivery.
Vero Beach Lodge Has a Heart for Veterans
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- Written by Nancy Seeley
On Feb. 14, Vero Beach Elks Lodge #1774 hosted the Have a Heart for Veterans second annual charity Mah Jongg game and raised $4,500. The event was open to the public and there were 90 players who each paid $50 to participate. The event had several corporate sponsors and individual donors as well. The check was presented Feb. 22 to members of the Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County. The funds will be used to help furnish new homes for veterans who were homeless. Pictured are Victor Diaz and Tim Nightingale from the veterans organization; Paul Diaz, PER, Exalted Ruler; and Karen Guidry, co-chairperson.
More Veterans Receive Home Furnishings from Zephyrhills Lodge
- Details
- Written by Zephyrhills Elks
From Jan. 30 to Feb. 14, Zephyrhills Lodge furnished homes for eight more veterans who have transitioned to independent living – Kenneth Golston, Kevin Hodge, Victor Pitsenbarger, Ronald Taylor, Sandy Johnson, Michael Dye, Carlton Smith and Annie Diles. Provided items included microwaves, televisions, antennas, dining tables and chairs, dressers, lamps, coffee makers, pots and pans, dishes, cups, glasses, silverware, bath towels, kitchen towels, linens, blankets, sofa, recliner, and shower curtains and rods.
Aripeka Lodge Supports Local Veterans Program
- Details
- Written by Aripeka Elks
Aripeka Elks Lodge #2520 continues to support the local veterans’ Steps to Recovery program. On Jan. 6, the lodge delivered a truckload of clothing and hygiene items. Pictured are member Lucille Joy and Ken Clark of Steps to Recovery with one month's donations.