Viera Lodge uses ENF Beacon Grant to Support Genesis House

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Written by Becky Wills

Viera Elks Lodge #2817 is continuing its support of Genesis House Inc., a facility that provides transitional shelter for homeless women and their children, long-term housing for student mothers and their children, and shelter for homeless pregnant women and their children. Genesis House is committed to providing a safe, supportive and caring environment which promotes independence from the welfare system through education, self-discipline and self-reliance. Funding for Genesis House is provided by an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant.

Port St. Lucie Lodge Delivers Food to Local Elementary School

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Written by Carol Raymond, PER

Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge #2658 delivered food to Morningside Elementary in Port St. Lucie, Fla., to help provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for the students through the GracePak Program. The lodge delivers approximately 250 lbs. of food on a monthly basis. The Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and donations from the members of the lodge keep these children from worrying about their food insecurities with these nourishing meals.

Pinky Stein, widow; Amy Hitlatch, a nonmember friend of Stein; and PER Carol Raymond, Port St. Lucie Lodge Secretary, deliver food to Morningside Elementary in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Vero Beach Elks Support Sunday Strong

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Written by Vero Beach Elks

On June 2, Vero Beach Elks Lodge #1774 donated $500 to Sunday Strong for the purchase of team T-shirts featuring the lodge logo on the sleeve. Sunday Strong is a Vero Beach-based organization that unites the fitness industry and adult athletes with intellectual disabilities by working with fitness facilities to provide one group class per week for these athletes at no charge to them. Pictured in the back row at the donation presentation with the Sunday Strong athletes are Richard Miller, Vero Beach Lodge Esteemed Leading Knight (third from left); Laura Radocaj, Sunday Strong founder and president (fifth from left); and Paul Diaz, Exalted Ruler (seventh from left).

Fort Pierce Lodge's Backpack Program Acknowledged at Board Meeting

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Written by Lenny Smallacombe

On Jan. 8, Lenny Smallacombe and his wife, Barb, attended the St. Lucie Public Schools board meeting. At the meeting, the good works of the Fort Pierce Elks’ backpack program were shared with the board and everyone in attendance. Smallacombe later accepted a special appreciation award from Superintendent E. Wayne Gent and board members on behalf of all the dedicated team members of the backpack program and on behalf of all those who donate to the program. Pictured are Katherine Hensley, Vice Chairman; Carol A. Hilson; Debbie Hawley, Chairman; Dr. Donna Mills; Troy Ingersoll; Superintendent E. Wayne Gent; and Lenny & Barb Smallacombe. The program utilizes an Elks National Foundation community grant which helps Fort Pierce Elks Lodge make a difference in children’s lives in their community.

Fort Pierce Elks Deliver Food Backpacks, Supplies and Gifts to Local Schools

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Written by Lenny Smallacombe

On Dec. 9 with 32 volunteers, Fort Pierce Elks Lodge #1520’s pantry/food backpack program packed food items in backpacks for 13 St. Lucie County public elementary schools. More than 600 homeless children will have an ample supply of food during the long holiday school vacation. The lodge partners with school officials and they agreed to send a large truck to pick up and deliver the food to the schools Dec. 12. While this was going on, the lodge visited three schools most in need and donated boxes of school shirts, belts, shorts and Christmas gifts for homeless families whose children attend these schools. All the schools that the lodge helps are provided free breakfast, lunch and now snacks before leaving school. This successful program is fueled by 39 dedicated team members.

Lenny Smallacombe and Fort Pierce Elks delivered clothes, backpacks and Christmas gifts to Lakewood Park Elementary Dec. 12.

Stop-the-Bleed Kits Donated to Schools by Vero Beach and Sebastian Lodges

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Written by Vero Beach Elks

Vero Beach and Sebastian Elks lodges collaborated to donate stop-the-bleed kits to every school in their district. Stop-the-bleed kits allow bystanders to become equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. The total cost of $2,435 was shared by both lodges. Richard Miller, Vero Beach Lodge Community Activities chairman, said, “traumatic injuries at schools have become a new reality. We hope that the kits are never needed; however, it is better to be prepared to administer aid as quickly as possible. Elks care – Elks share.”

Vero Beach Lodge’s Richard Miller and Sebastian’s Anthony Kisielewski present stop-the-bleed kits to Indian River School District’s Jon Teske.