South Southwest District

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Written by Naples Elks

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

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.

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Written by Diane Hendrick

On Dec. 18, the Fort Myers Ladies of Elks donated $500 to Partners for Breast Cancer Care Inc. The funds were raised from two LOE Wednesday night bingos in October and November and proceeds from a decorated bra contest.

Pictured are Connie Laubenthal, LOE Secretary; Cathy Wilson, Partners for Breast Cancer Care Board of Directors; Kathy Lake, LOE President; and Janet Darnell, Partners for Breast Cancer Care executive director.

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Written by Naples Elks

On Dec. 4, Naples Elks Lodge #2010 hosted a Christmas party for 25 youths and six staff members from Youth Haven, an organization that helps children and teens in southwest Florida who have been abused and neglected. Lodge volunteers served pizza, ice cream and soft drinks. Attendees were given a gift bag filled with sweatshirts, an Elks water bottle and a $50 gift card. Magician Brian Boyd entertained everyone.

Pictured in the front row are magician Brian Boyd, Ray Frye, Jerri Massey, Cassie Demetsky, Maria Thompson and Julie DeHaan. In the back row are Nelson Keller, Brett Binder, a Youth Haven staff member, Pam Addis, Lynn Malpede and Arlene Hansen.

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Written by Punta Gorda Elks

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 completed its fifth and final blood drive of 2024, making a remarkable impact throughout the year. Over the course of these drives, the lodge collected a total of 145 pints of blood, saving up to 435 lives, as one pint can save three lives. Participants contributed 182 volunteer hours, valued at $5,450.90, and drove a combined 1,779 miles, equating to $1,049.61, bringing the lodge's total contribution value to $6,500.51. To show appreciation, One Blood provided each donor with a $20 gift card, while the lodge added a $10 gift card and an exclusive Elks T-shirt. Blood donations are critical to saving lives; 25% of cancer patients need blood or platelets during treatment. By hosting these drives, the lodge empowers donors to provide the strength and hope that patients need to keep fighting.