Lake City Elks Lodge #893 donated $2,750 each from its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to two organizations that provide food relief assistance for seniors and children. Columbia County Senior Services (CCSS) serves the aging population of 60+ in Columbia County with home and community-based services. Their mission is to assist these adults in maintaining their physical, mental, emotional and nutritional health needs. Backpacks For Kids is an ongoing partnership with the local chapter of Altrusa International and local elementary schools. The program provides backpacks with food for local children for the weekend. Guidance counselors in elementary schools identify students who are in need or living below poverty level. The backpacks provide the children with nonperishable, easy-to-open foods for their weekend, as most would go without food while at home due to increased financial hardships for families. Both organizations have experienced an increase in requests from those in need. Several lodge members volunteer weekly to pack and deliver the backpack food to schools.
Pictured March 17 at the check presentation to Altrusa International of Lake City, Florida, are Barbara Doonan, Altrusan; Brooke Meng, lodge member; Renee Williams, Lodge Secretary; Holly Fraizer, Altrusan; and Roberta Getzen, Altrusa President.
Pictured March 18 presenting a check to David Huckabee, Director of Columbia County Senior Services, are Renee Williams, Lodge Secretary; Stanley Cox, PDD, Lodge Treasurer; Judy Harden, Lodge Chaplain; Stephanie Bennett, Elk-Mates Chaplain; Chris Williams, lodge trustee; and Bruce Desoe, lodge member.