Southeast District

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Written by West Palm Beach Elks

On Dec. 13, West Palm Beach Lodge hosted a children’s Christmas party with 75 children in attendance with their families. Each child received two gifts. Pictured is the family of Justa Ajanel and Fernando Rodriquez with children Alex and Kelly Rodriquez who attend one of five schools that are supported by the lodge. Also pictured are Santa and Mrs. Claus (Libby and Rodger Dill) along with Carol Blair, chair; Minia Cain, Leading Knight; Elaine Maes-Morey, Exalted Ruler; Karen Ebenhack, Lodge Treasurer; and Maureen Debigare, member.

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Written by West Palm Beach Elks

West Palm Beach Lodge #1352 delivered school supplies Nov. 20 to the five schools they support – Wynnbrook Elementary, Benoist Farms Elementary, Hope-Centennial Elementary, Greenacres Elementary and Liberty Park Elementary. Pictured at Wynnbrook Elementary are Eduardo Ortoneda, head custodian; Suzanne Berry, principal; Ed Morey Jr., PER; Elaine Maes-Morey, Exalted Ruler; and Steve Collins, vice principal.

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Written by Jupiter Elks

On Dec. 12, Jupiter Elks hosted a drive-thru to see Santa to ensure social distancing, and they handed out stuffed animals and Elk goody bags to all of the children. Pictured are Colleen Dowd, Elk of the Year; Lauren Dowd-Shedlock, House Committee chair; the Grinch; Santa (Dave Vertullo, Exalted Ruler); Mrs. Claus (Vicky Doubleday, House Committee member); Elroy the Elk, Drug Awareness mascot; Rita Livingston as an Elk, Esteemed Loyal Knight; Lisa Nuss, Esteemed Lecturing Knight; and Larry Littell, Southeast District Deputy, as a classic Christmas caroler.

Jupiter Lodge also gave toys, bikes and a new outfit to 111 local children in need the week before Christmas. 

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Written by Jupiter Elks

Jupiter Elks Lodge #2469 participated in the local Christmas parade Dec. 6 with a decorated float of elk stables to symbolize that Santa's Elks help the community year-round. Throughout the parade, the Elks spread Elkdom and holiday cheer as they handed out brochures about what it means to be an Elk along with drug awareness ribbons and candy canes.

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Written by Clewiston Elks

Clewiston Elks Lodge #1853 partnered with the local United Cerebral Palsy Foundation chapter (UCP) to plan and deliver an unforgettable Christmas experience for local patients with cerebral palsy. The local UCP staff worked with their clients to help each of them write their Christmas wish list to Santa. Then the Elks gathered the lists, hung them on a decorative Angel Tree and asked their members to select a wish list and be a Secret Santa for the client they selected. Within a week, all the cards from the tree were selected, and within another week, all the gifts were returned. On Dec. 17, the Elks invited all of the UCP clients and Secret Santas to come visit with the real Santa (lodge member Mike O’Rourke) to enjoy a meal and collect their gifts, stockings and other treats. The highlight of the evening was the opportunity for each of the clients to have a socially distanced visit with Santa. Pictured are Susie, Tebitha, Amelia, Kathy, Bertha, Desiree, Ruth, Clarence, McAllister, Tony and Angie.