South Southwest District

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Written by Brian Kamp

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On March 26, Naples Lodge donated $10,000 from multiple fundraising events to support the Venture Cares Mobile Market. This is a food distribution program through Venture Church of Naples, which provides essential food services to local residents of Collier County. The first portion of the donation, $4,000, helped fund the purchase of a new trailer emblazoned with the lodge logo. This utility trailer assists the mobile market’s main 45’ fifth wheel trailer, facilitating the efficient distribution of food at various locations across the region. The second part of the donation, $6,000, helped offset food and transportation costs. Venture Cares Mobile Market serves designated locations each month, such as Southwest Florida State College, the Pregnancy Resource Center, and Warrior Homes of Collier County. Unlike traditional food pantries, at Venture Cares Mobile Market, participants have the opportunity to walk through the trailer and select their own food, providing a grocery shopping experience with the freedom of choice. The market offers a wide range of items, including fresh, frozen, refrigerated and dry food products.

Pictured at the second donation presentation are Brian Kamp, Lodge Grants Coordinator; Brian Fischer, market manager; and Fred Koch, lodge trustee. Also pictured are the lodge sign on the support trailer, an outside view of the mobile market, and a view inside the mobile market (with Brian Fischer, market manager, and a representative of Warrior Homes of Collier County).

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Written by Naples Elks

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On March 7, Naples Elks Lodge #2010 donated $1,000 to Marco Island Police Department for needed medical supplies, such as bandages, aspirin and first aid material.

Pictured are Officer Richard Leshiger, Officer David Ennis, lodge member Dave Holmes, Chief Tracy Frazzano, and lodge members Denise Holmes and PDD Ron Heldebrandt.

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Written by Punta Gorda Elks

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On Jan. 23, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 hosted another blood drive in partnership with One Blood. A total of 35 pints of blood was collected from 25 members and 10 guests. Each pint of blood can save up to three lives, so this effort will positively impact 105 individuals in need. To show appreciation for their lifesaving donations, One Blood provided each donor with a T-shirt and a $20 gift card, and the lodge added an additional T-shirt and a $10 gift card.

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Written by Naples Elks

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On Dec. 17, 17 members of Naples Elks Lodge #2010 arranged a Christmas party for 96 second graders from Manatee Elementary School. It was a fun-filled afternoon with refreshments of pizza, ice cream and juice boxes. The students received gift bags containing a Drug Awareness water bottle, candy, coloring books, crayons, hats, dolls, bracelets and games. The Collier County Sherriff's Office with sirens blaring escorted Santa into the schoolyard. The children were excited to visit Santa (Bob Cedar, member). Teachers requested toys for the treasure chest, file covers and $20 Starbucks gift cards. Six teachers, a counselor and the principal attended the festive event. Funds for the party included $4,000 from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and $1,931.67 from the lodge charity account.

Pictured are Denise Holmes, Drug Awareness Chair, and Santa (Bob Cedar) with several second graders.

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Written by Judy Hopkins, PER

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On Dec. 23, Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge #2781 used its $2,500 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant for Beacon of Hope’s Beacon Bites program, which delivers meals to seniors. Lodge volunteers prepared and delivered Christmas bags to every recipient of the daily meals. The bags included slipper socks, cookies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotions, shampoo and conditioner.

Pictured are Jack Rovaldi, PER; John Hotzfield, Exalted Ruler; Judy Hopkins, District Deputy; and Nancy Cote, Beacon of Hope director.