Southwest Central District

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Written by Plant City Elks

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On July 31, Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 donated toys valued at over $350 to the Plant City Police Department’s Christmas-in-July fundraiser, which supported children in local hospitals. The contribution was made from the charity account, which is sustained by proceeds from Queen of Hearts and bingo events as well as member donations.

Pictured are Officer Royal; Judy Wise, PER; Officer Vince Wise (Elk member); and Deputy Chief Centanni.

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Written by Sebring Elks

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For the last several years, Sebring Lodge has sponsored the Walk for Memories, hosted by Change of Pace, an adult daycare and activity center for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other memory care needs. On July 16, the lodge donated $250 from the charity bingo account to the Sam McKissock Sponsorship Fund, which is used to help caregivers cover the cost of daycare for seniors. At no charge, caregivers can drop off the senior citizens in their care at the center for the day to socialize and do activities with other people their age. This frees caregivers to do errands or go to appointments that they can’t do while caring for a senior citizen. The Change of Pace staff also offers support groups for the caregivers.

Pictured are Brenda Richards, lodge member, and Cora Swingle, Change of Pace administrator.

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Written by Sebring Elks

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On Aug. 1, the Sebring Elks Lodge Veterans Committee received a donated refrigerator from ABC Appliance in Sebring. The committee then donated the refrigerator, along with other personal and hygiene items, to the New Testament Church and Mission in Sebring. The Mission helps veterans as well as unhoused members of the community with essential services such as feeding, clothing, housing and emotional support.

Pictured are Brenda Walton, Loyal Knight and Veterans Chair; Ron Schillfarth, trustee and Veterans Committee member; and Josh Young, Mission’s head Men’s director.

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Written by Brandon Elks

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On July 30, Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 donated $2,500 to the Dover Patriots, a tackle football and cheerleading organization for children in Dover and its surrounding communities. The program’s mission is to provide an environment for student athletes to learn life skills such as goal setting, responsibility and leadership. The organization's goal is to encourage sportsmanship and physical fitness activities while prioritizing the importance of scholastic achievement. This nonprofit organization relies on fundraising activities and sponsorship donations from the community. The lodge donation will be used to help with expenses for uniforms, sneakers, bows and anything else needed by the football and cheerleading organization. The program is available for Mighty Mites (ages 5-6), Peewee (ages 7-8), Midgets (ages 9-10), Junior Varsity (ages 11-12) and Varsity (ages 13-14). Pictured are coaches, parents, football players and cheerleaders.

Pictured in the back left with them are Lou Valencia, Exalted Ruler, and Marionette Garvey, PER.

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Written by Sebring Elks

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On July 16, Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 donated $300 from the bingo charity fund to provide supplies for the Flash Stars Achievement Center. The nonprofit center was founded by Vernetta Bolton, who has 27 years of experience working with children in various settings. She has always wanted to run her own organization to help children in the community. All children in grades K-3 who reside in Highlands County are welcome to join. Flash Stars stands for Family, Love, Accountability, Success, Honor, Safety, Trust, Academics, Responsibility and Stellar.

Pictured are Brenda Walton, Loyal Knight and Veterans Chair, and Vernetta Bolton, Flash Stars Achievement Center director.