On March 22, Eustis Elks participated in the Eustis Georgefest parade with the Drug Awareness trailer. Four members walking in the parade gave out 350 Drug Awareness bags filled with Elks brochures and Eustis Elks pencils to the adults and 1,500 Elks logo suckers to the kids.
On Dec. 23, Winter Garden Elks donated at least 100 nonperishable items to the Ocoee Christian Center for its pantry. The center operates daily to provide meals, rent and clothing. The lodge also donated $500 to the center to help with holidays.
The Eustis Anna Miller Circle sponsored an angel tree, and its members, along with lodge members and the community, provided both the "needs" and "wants" of 100 children from Eustis Elementary School. Donors selected an angel from the tree and either shopped for them or donated funds for lodge shoppers to buy items. Toys and clothing were wrapped in 800 boxes and bags and filled five vehicles, which were delivered Dec. 12. Cindy Bennett chaired the project and delivered the gifts with Dick Witt, Nancy Karnell, Rick Bennett, Jean Witt and Barry Karnell.
Pictured are gifts under the tree in the lodge lobby.
Winter Garden Elks decorated a float and participated in the Winter Garden Christmas parade Dec. 7. Members also created a dance to “The Candy Man” song and performed it for the parade judges, winning first place for their float and dance. The police department was doing a toy drive that day and the lodge donated $200 as well.
Pictured are the parade participants.
From Nov. 1 to Dec. 7, Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 partnered with the Orange Observer News Reading Reindeer literacy program to collect new books for children. Lodge members donated approximately 50 books for the 12-17 age group. The lodge and Ladies auxiliary also donated $200 each.
Pictured is Ronnie Bradshaw, Exalted Ruler, with Bob Szollosy, Esquire, in the background.