South District

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Written by Florida Keys Elks

Florida Keys Elks Lodge #1872 used its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to hold a breakfast with Santa Dec. 5 with more than 100 children and family members in attendance. Families enjoyed breakfast, tableside activities and a singalong. Mr. and Mrs. Claus made their appearance and provided social distancing while family photos were taken in the Christmas sleigh. All children received personalized gifts and goody bags to take home. The afternoon highlight was a performance by local magician, Michael Trixx, who entertained everyone with his extravagant show. Many members were involved in putting this community event together for a day of fun. Pictured are Brenda Cockrell, Exalted Ruler; Nikki Johnson, member; and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Also shown are gifts purchased for the children and one of the children dressed up to see Santa Claus.

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Written by South Miami/Coral Gables Elks

On Aug. 13, South Miami/Coral Gables Elks Lodge #1676 used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant in cooperation with Miami Dade Police Department Neighbor Resource Unit, Officer Tookes and the office of Commissioner Dennis Moss to distribute food to families at the following locations: Hope Deliverance Church (50 families), Sunset Point Public Housing (50 families), Arthur Mays Villas Public Housing (50 families), Gould's Senior Citizens Center (30 families), West Jessamine Elderly Center (10 families), West Evergreen Elderly Center (10 families), and Circle Plaza East & West Public Housing Complex (10 families).

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Written by Florida Keys

On Sept. 10, Florida Keys Elks Lodge #1872 donated its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Coral Shores High School Needy Assistance Fund. Due to the pandemic, students and teachers did not return to the classrooms until Sept. 21. These funds will be used to provide students and teachers with a significant amount of necessary supplies for resuming classroom education. In addition, this donation will provide students in need with eyeglasses appointments and eyeglasses, school clothes, and other pertinent supplies needed to succeed in the classroom. Pictured are Brenda Cockrell, lodge grant coordinator and Exalted Ruler; Kristy Munafo, assistant vice principal; Janet Ciccarelli, Lodge Secretary; and Ana Alvaro, assistant vice principal.

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Working with Wheelchairs 4 Kids of Tarpon Springs, Florida, Miami Elks Lodge #948 donated $1,278so that 9-year-old Franklin could have an adaptive therapy tricycle. His mother wrote a letter to the organization asking for assistance, and the organization reached out to the lodge since they have a longstanding relationship; the lodge has sponsored more than 30 children in need of adaptive equipment. In the letter, Franklin’s mother explains that he “was born with a congenital heart defect (CHO) known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). He has had six open heart surgeries and 12 cardiac catheterizations to this date and a pacemaker implanted since 2012. In addition to his heart condition and as a consequence of lack of oxygen during multiple interventions, Franklin suffered brain damage and was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy….He presents a global developmental delay which prevents him from performing regular activities other children his age would. He takes daily medications and requires full assistance for ambulation, bathroom, feeding, etc. and specialized care for monitoring his condition. He receives therapy services (physical, occupational, speech and behavioral) at home several times a week. In the past, Franklin was able to use a standard kids’ tricycle to exercise his legs. Now, he outgrew the kids’ size and the next stage tricycles don't provide the additional safety that Franklin requires. I actually purchased the smallest adult tricycle I could afford and made some modifications but it is not safe for him….Unfortunately, insurance companies won't cover this device.”

According to Nina Shaw, Programs Team Leader for Wheelchairs 4 Kids, “Franklin is an average boy who is above average. He enjoys activities similar to other kids. His routine is to watch “Paw Patrol” after lunch and “Peppa Pig” before bedtime. The last thing Franklin does before falling asleep is reading a “Peppa Pig” book. The young boy listens to a variety of music that puts him into a relaxed mood. He likes getting fresh air and going to the park to watch people play baseball and basketball. Franklin is a sports fan, especially of soccer. He attends many games to support his cousin who plays the popular sport. Franklin is a huge fan of the former Real Madrid player, Cristiano Ronaldo. Franklin, however, is not defined by his interests. He is a good kid with an endless smile and a positive attitude.” Shaw also notes that the tricycle will be used “to improve his leg flexibility, strength and balance. The trike will also be another outlet for him to play outside.”

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the organization is not doing presentations, so the tricycle was sent directly to his home from the manufacturer July 13 and he was riding it every day!

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Written by Jane Ferguson

Florida Keys Elks Lodge #1872 awarded $12,000 ($2,400 each) in scholarships to Coral Shores seniors Jennifer Setchell, Windley Hagood, Luke Gutierrez, Olivia  Bentacourt and Vaclav Cernosek. All recipients have been active volunteers at the lodge serving at Soccer Shoot dinners, the fish tournament and the Friday fish fry. They are also active in the community while maintaining good grades. They visited the lodge May 28 to introduce themselves.