North District

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Written by Lake City Elks

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.

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Written by Lake City Elks

On Dec. 18, Lake City Lodge and Halpatter Brewing Company co-hosted the fourth annual Santa Jam. This event raises funds and collects toys for the lodge’s annual Santa’s toy party for children. The event raises awareness of the party and has many community and lodge volunteers including local bands that perform. This year’s participating bands were Black River Harvesters, Wally Germany and Friends, Branford HWY and Clean Slate Band. The event raised nearly $1,100 for the Christmas party.

Lake City Lodge has held Santa’s toy party for children for 90 years. On Dec. 24, Santa met with more than 250 children and each child received at least one toy and a bicycle thanks to the generous support of the members and community, who raised over $6,000.

Pictured is a Lake City Fire Department firefighter driving Santa Claus (Joshua Fuller, Lecturing Knight) and his helpers (PDD Christopher Lydick, Danielle Evans and Michelle Fuller) to the lodge in an antique firetruck.

Also pictured are Delia Howe and Shelby Romine looking at a toy baby stroller in Santa’s toy shoppe during the party.

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Written by Lake City Elks

Lake City Lodge held its annual Hoop Shoot Dec. 14 at Columbia High School. Fifty local youth aged 8 to 13 participated in this free throw competition. All participants received medals and trophies were given to the winners. The winners from each age group advanced to the regional competition. Approximately 1,500 local youth participated at the school level. Thirteen lodge members volunteered.

Pictured are Trey Hosford, member and Columbia High School principal; Harper Hosford; Maliek Griffin; Ryleigh Price; Parker Lang; Harliegh Price; Brandon Lovett; and Jay Swisher, PER.

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Written by Lake City Elks

On Nov. 20, Lake City Elks Lodge #893 promoted its drug awareness program at Columbia County’s 200th anniversary Founders Day event. There were more than 1,000 children and families engaged in games and activities throughout the day, and Elroy the Elk was in attendance to greet the children.

Pictured are members John Smith, Elroy the Elk (Bill Roberts) and Dr. Christopher Esing, Founders Day chair.

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Written by Perry Elks

In early December, Perry Lodge donated $3,000 to the Taylor Senior Citizens Center (TSCC) to help in the replacement cost of their walk-in freezer.

Pictured are Earline Neely, Lodge Secretary; Bill Brynes, member; Fonda Neel, Esquire; and Diane Landry, TSCC Director.