On Oct. 7, Merritt Island Elks Lodge #2650 used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to help a local learning institution purchase some badly needed computers for the teachers and students. The Brevard Private Academy in Merritt Island, Florida, is a school for kids who don’t fit into the public school system. This school keeps these kids from falling through the cracks and gives them the opportunity to get an education. Because the grant did not cover all the equipment needed, the lodge added an extra $1,686. Cheree Shaykhian, president of the academy, started to tear up as she thanked the lodge members and presented the lodge with a plaque. Pictured are Kim Johnson, Lodge Secretary; Shaykhian; and Jim Gregg, Exalted Ruler.