North Central District

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Written by Pam DePriest

On Dec. 21, Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 used its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to donate clothing, tents, tarps, hygiene items and food for the guests of Matthews Hope, a homeless ministry. These items will be given out over the next several months to more than 150 men, women and children. A hot meal was also prepared and served to 70 guests. 

Pictured are Ellen Snyder, Lecturing Knight; Megan Reish; Ed Colon, Exalted Ruler; Pam DePriest; Ralph Moore; and Scott Billue, lodge member and founder of Matthews Hope. Children and grandchildren of lodge members also helped. 

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Written by Pam DePriest

Using lodge funds, Winter Garden Elks purchased and donated 50 dictionaries to third graders at Ocoee Elementary School. Pictured Sept. 22 are Pam DePriest, member; Natalie Hatch, wife of member Wally Hatch, PER; and Kandace Goshe, principal.

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Written by Pam DePriest

On Sept. 18, Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 hosted a baby shower at the lodge for 15 mothers on low incomes using the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. Each mother received a case of diapers, a case of wipes, four books and a variety of other baby items. Pictured are Carolyn Robbins, Esteemed Leading Knight; Kendall Croft, daughter of members Billy and Lesley Croft; Pam DePriest, member; and Ed Colon, Exalted Ruler. 

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

On Aug. 20, Eustis Elks Lodge’s Anna Miller Circle packed welcome kits for those at The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, who are their usual grateful recipients, but during this session, they also packed kits for the Brotherhood Riders who stopped at the lodge Aug. 23 on their way to New York City to honor 2020’s fallen heroes as well as everyone who died from Sept. 11 causes. Seven ladies and one Elk packed 100 adult kits and 50 children's kits along with 11 birthday cake packages of cake mix, frosting and candles for children who are in safe housing during their birthday. The adult kits include soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, mouthwash, toothpaste, floss and a toothbrush. The children's kits include shampoo, soap, toothpaste, children's toothbrush, hand sanitizer, a tissue pack, lip balm and a small toy. The value of The Haven donation was $1,569. The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties provides a safe haven for women who have been abused and their children as well as for rape survivors and teens. They offer an extensive program to help survivors both with housing, food and classes as well as assistance in transitioning to a safer and healthier life. They advocate for the children in school and legal settings. For the riders, 67 kits were packed and contained soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaver, shave cream, hand sanitizer, a travel toothbrush, mouthwash and toothpaste. This donation was valued at $670. Pictured are Darlene Hall, Kristina Cline and Vicki Mercante, co-chair of The Haven Project. Also pictured are Anna Miller Circle member Shearon Jones and a Brotherhood Rider.

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Written by Inverness Elks

For the ninth consecutive year, Inverness Lodge held its Backpacks for Success program for local students. The program supplies backpacks loaded with grade-specific school supplies to the children supported by the Citrus County Foster Parent Association and 20 to area schools through their guidance departments. The lodge used its $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to purchase the backpacks and supplies, and more than 300 hours of labor were provided by lodge members and helpers. In total, 170 backpacks were delivered to the Citrus County foster families and 20 schools in Citrus County and Dunnellon in time for the start of the new school year Aug. 10. Inverness Elks believe that a community that supports its children raises citizens who grow up to support their community. Pictured are Frank Baranco; Richard Grosnick, PER; Dick Bass; Judy Horton; Craig Ingram; Carol Ingram; Sally Torres and Ed Torres.