Northeast District

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

During February, Green Cove Springs Lodge held its annual Comfort Campaign. Members and guests donated more than 150 new stuffed animals to support local law enforcement officers in providing comfort to the children they meet on their calls. On March 10, officers from Green Cove Springs Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office were guests of the lodge for dinner and received the stuffed animals.

Lodge members and volunteers pictured packing the stuffed animals are Greg Hughson, PDD; Kathy Hughson, volunteer; Wendy Hughson, member; Izzy Hughson, volunteer; Jennifer Parker, member; Elinore Williams, volunteer; Tracy Carroll, PER; and Greg Hughson, Jr., member.

Pictured at the presentation are Althea Orvosh, volunteer; Izzy Hughson, volunteer; Al Williams, Exalted Ruler; Officer Babcock, GCSPD; Officer Morando, GCSPD; Josh Lee, GCSPD Community Relations; Deputy Burns, CCSO;  Sergeant Hess, GCSPD; Deputy Freshour, CCSO Community Affairs; and Lt. Coyle, CCSO.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

Green Cove Springs Lodge member Helen Cornelius helped coordinate fundraising efforts for Colon Cancer Awareness Month. On March 22 at a dinner attended by more than 100 members and guests, the lodge presented a check for $2,750 to Howie Brigance for the Borland Groover Cancer Walk in memory of loved ones lost to colon cancer and in support of those who have survived.

Pictured with Brigance, fourth from left, are lodge members Jeannie Calhoun; Lynn Elrod, Exalted Ruler-elect; Al Williams, Exalted Ruler; Anna Eden; Bob Russell; and Helen Cornelius. Also pictured on the cake table are three photos of people lost to colon cancer.

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Written by Elizabeth Bastedo

On Feb. 20, St. Augustine Lodge donated its $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Homeless Coalition of St. John’s County to provide services to individuals and families who are homeless, including temporary homes and child care. Additionally, lodge members donated approximately $500 worth of nonperishable items.

Pictured are Kevin Walsh, lodge trustee; Cathleen Walsh, Lodge Secretary; Elizabeth Bastedo, lodge grant coordinator; Debi Redding, Homeless Coalition executive director; and Rich Bastedo, lodge member.

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Written by Elizabeth Bastedo

On Jan. 17, St. Augustine Elks Lodge #829 donated $2,000 from its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant along with $2,000 of its matching funds from the Florida State Elks Association to the Wildflower Healthcare, which provides no-cost medical and dental care to uninsured residents of the county. Pictured are Elizabeth Bastedo, lodge grant coordinator, and Michelle Collee, executive director of Wildflower Healthcare.

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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 hosted a children’s Christmas party Dec. 10 for families from Hogan Spring-Glen Elementary School. With the support of UPS, the United Methodist Church and the use of the lodge's Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, the lodge provided gifts from wish lists, grocery store gift cards for Christmas dinner and many other donated items to 15 families in need. Author David Gaslin took time with each child and gave them a signed copy of his children’s book. Santa made an appearance as well as Elroy the Elk. Children made ornaments and picture frames, decorated cookies, and had their photos taken with Santa. Lunch and desserts were provided.

Pictured are Santa greeting the children and Elroy the Elk with David Graham, Exalted Ruler.