South Southwest District

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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.

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Written by Diane Hendrick

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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

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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.