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.