On Aug. 23, Live Oak Elks Lodge #1165 donated its $6,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to Gary Watson, founder and manager of the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Food Ministry. For the past 14 years, Mt. Gilead has served families in Suwannee and three surrounding counties. What began with Watson’s early efforts distributing food from the back of his truck became a ministry that fed 16,481 individuals in 2024. On this particular Saturday, 236 families — 665 individuals — received food support.
Pictured with Mt. Gilead Baptist Church members are Cathy Davis, Exalted Ruler, front, presenting the check to Gary Watson, Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Food Ministry manager. Donald Watson, PDD is pictured in the second row on the far left. Taking the picture is Lori Watson, Lodge Grant Coordinator.