Using $1,305.31 of its $2,000 Gratitude Grant, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 donated food to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Punta Gorda, Florida, and the Jesus Loves You Ministry in Port Charlotte, Florida, a mobile outreach program for those experiencing homelessness. A large microwave was also delivered to the Jesus Loves You Ministry using $230 from the Gratitude Grant. In addition, the lodge donated $1,500 from its $3,500 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to St. Vincent de Paul for a new freezer. Food deliveries were made Aug. 31 and the microwave was delivered Sept. 3.
Pictured delivering food to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank are Judy Nuetzel, South Southwest District Vice President, and Fred Nuetzel, Exalted Ruler. Also pictured are two food bank volunteers whose names were unavailable. Fred Nuetzel is also pictured delivering food with a volunteer from Jesus Loves You Ministry and presenting a check for the freezer to a volunteer from St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. Ambrose Yelovich, PER pictured with volunteer James Hicks delivers a large microwave to the Jesus Loves You Ministry.
