On Dec. 8, an annual country Christmas was held at Kiwanis Island located on Merritt Island, Fla. For many years, Brevard County has put on a Christmas party for citizens who are handicapped and mentally challenged. For over 20 years, Merritt Island Elks Lodge #2650 has supplied and prepared the food and drinks for approximately 200 people.
Port Orange Lodge held their annual Hoop Shoot Dec. 14. First place winners moved on to district competition. Pictured at the right is Lou Greci, PER, Youth Activities Chairman, along with first and second place winners and Elk volunteers.
On Dec. 14, the Port Orange Police Department partnered with Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 to hold their fifth annual Shop with a Cop & Elks event at the Target store on Dunlawton in Port Orange, Fla. This event was made possible using a $5,000 grant obtained from Target by Port Orange Police Department and donations from the lodge. Each child received a gift card in the amount of $150 plus a $25 gift card for Christmas Dinner. There were 29 police officers along with an Elk who accompanied the 29 children and their families shopping for gifts.
Port Orange Lodge member Richard Violette and a Port Orange Police Officer are pictured with three participants in the Shop with a Cop & Elks event Dec. 14 at a Port Orange Target store.
Merritt Island Elks Lodge #2650 held the seventh annual Santa’s Boot Strap event Dec. 14. Elks, family and friends came together to help give some holiday cheer to families in need. Nine people received $100 gift cards to Aldi for some holiday cheer. The other 75 families received enough food to last them throughout the holiday season. Lodge members purchased, packaged and delivered the gifts to the families.
Merritt Island Elks Lodge #2650 awarded $2,000 scholarships to nine deserving high school students. Exalted Ruler, Bill Hazelett, presented checks to four of the recipients – Jordan Tomberlin, Shaelyn Ledoux, EJ Davey and Mason Yaskovic. The winners and their families were treated to breakfast at the lodge July 7. The other five students were presented their scholarships at a different date.