Warrington Elks Lodge #2108 held another Tools for Teachers event July 10 at the lodge for teachers to come and select school supplies needed for their classrooms. The lodge members had been amazed by the willingness of teachers to reach into their own pockets to purchase additional supplies for their students and wanted to help. Grant Chairman, Linda Erickson, submitted a request for and received a $2,000 Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation. The membership also approved spending an additional $2,000 from the charity account to support the project. Becky Stokes led the effort as chairman and filled her house with all the supplies she was able to purchase. Stokes’ helpers were Rick Wright, Exalted Ruler; Dot Penton, Leading Knight; Pat Prendergast, Loyal Knight; Ann Lewis; Dave Pierce, Trustee; Paul Palmer, PDD; Toni Palmer, PER; and Barbara Steward, Treasurer.
Teachers from kindergarten through fifth grade at Navy Point, Myrtle Grove, Montclair and Bellview schools attended. The four schools were given a certain amount of supplies to split between all the teachers, and then they went to the tables and picked up what they needed for their particular grades. A wide variety of items were available including pencils and bookbags to snacks and basketballs. The teachers truly appreciated everything, and it was a rewarding experience for the lodge knowing they were able to help their community.