North Central District

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Written by James Manos

Inverness Elks Lodge #2522 was proud to sponsor the 2020-2021 Elks Drug Awareness Education essay and poster contests. Pictured Nov. 11 are Andrew Moore, SRO Deputy; Daniel Harsh, third-place essay contest winner; Mikayla Lucena, first-place essay contest winner; Felicity Mohammadbhoy, second-place essay contest winner; Jim Manos, Drug Awareness Education Lodge Chair; and Dianna Goolsby, Lecanto Middle School assistant principal. Goolsby is holding a framed certificate that was presented to the school. The theme this year was “No Excuses.”

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Written by Inverness Elks

Inverness Elks Lodge #2522 completed its seventh year of the Backpacks for Success school supplies program. This year, the lodge provided 168 backpacks as well as school supplies for 60 area children in foster care and students in 17 local schools. The lodge works with the Citrus County Foster Parent Association Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Funds were again provided by the $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. The lodge used some of its charity funds as well. The lodge purchased backpacks in bulk and school supplies from a wholesale source in June once the decision was made to open Citrus County schools. This year, most of the backpacks and supplies were shipped directly to the lodge. Because of the pandemic, instead of having 30 individuals at the lodge to pack everything in one day, the lodge members worked in groups of five from Aug. 10-14. On Aug. 15, the backpacks and supplies for the children in foster care were delivered to a central distribution point five days before school started. On Aug. 18 and Aug. 19, members delivered the backpacks to the guidance department of each school by appointment.

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Written by Jan Belland

Inverness Lodge held a Flag Day ceremony including flag retirements June 13 with assistance from Boy Scout Troop #302 which is supported by the lodge. Scout leader and Youth Activities Lodge Chair, Steve Epple, right, heads the flag burning.

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Written by Eustis Elks

On May 27, Eustis Lodge again supported Lake Cares Food Pantry with $450 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to help community members affected by the pandemic. Pictured are JoJo Myhr, member; Bill Myhr, trustee; Ruthie Hoffner, pantry director of development; and Patsy Despain, PER. In 2019, Lake Cares Food Pantry in Mount Dora, Florida, served 51,720 people approximately 904,000 pounds of food. They have been doing this since 2009 and the need increases every year. There are five mobile sites for availability. Their clients mostly consist of senior citizens and those who are disabled, but during the pandemic, many younger people with children are also being fed.

1578 leesburg pantry: Also on May 27, Eustis Lodge gave $500 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Leesburg Food Pantry to help them serve clients during the pandemic. Don Diamant, Past District Deputy and president of the food pantry notes that there are several volunteers who work more than 400 hours and drive nearly 900 miles per month. Diamant puts in over 100 hours and drives more than 300 miles each month. They serve those in need in Lake County, Florida. Pictured are Bill Myhr, lodge trustee; JoJo Myhr, lodge member; Don Diamant, PDD, pantry president; and Patsy Despain, PER.

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Written by Eustis Elks

On May 28, $500 from Eustis Lodge’s Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant was given to The Carpenter’s House in Leesburg, Florida, to help them during the pandemic. Directors Patrick and Linda take care of up to 17 children from infancy to age 18 who have been orphaned, some from third-world countries. Most are from Nigeria and New Guinea. Normally they return to their homeland where they continue to help and educate others in need. Pictured at the donation presentation are Mike Schwellinger, Lodge Esquire; Patrick and Linda, directors; and Patsy Despain, PER, presenting a check for $500 to help defray expenses due to COVID-19 pandemic. Residents pictured from the bottom to top on the stairs are Lydia, Hanna, Tiana, Juliana, William and Dan. Directors Patrick & Linda are pictured in front of the house.

Eustis Lodge gave an additional donation of $2,000 to The Carpenter’s House June 1 to purchase food for those living at the home. Pictured are Mike Schwellinger, Esquire; Bo Borwegen, Exalted Ruler; Dan, resident; Linda and Pat, directors; and Hannah, resident.