South Southwest District

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Written by Diane Hendrick

Roger Spencer, Exalted Ruler of Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288, and David Lake, PSP present 120 pairs of children’s unicorn slippers Feb. 9 to Nadereh Salim, CEO of the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida. The Children’s Network of Southwest Florida is a private, nonprofit agency that administers the child welfare system in five southwest Florida counties. Its mission is to work with the community to protect children and preserve families. The slippers were donated to the Florida State Elks Association by the Dan-Dee Company to be distributed to children who are underprivileged or handicapped or who have special needs in Florida.

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Written by Judy Nuetzel

In December, Punta Gorda Lodge Elks Lodge #2606 donated to the St. Vincent de Paul food bank and the Jesus Loves You Ministry for those who are homeless using the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. On Dec 13, the lodge held a Christmas dinner and dance benefit for the Charlotte County Foster Children Christmas Program and raised $1,700.

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Written by Karen Rohm

Pictured with the gifts are Sharon Bienvenue; Linda Killian, public relations; Helga Kuzmik, chaplain; Karen Rohm, president; Sue Crady, vice president; Judy Smith; Mary Gail Phillips, secretary; Kathie Flecken; Tammy Britt; Linda Schumacher; Sue Bemister; Cathy Chartan, treasurer; and Wanda Morris.

Pictured with the grocery donations are Sharon Bienvenue, Helga Kuzmik, Sue Crady, Linda Killian, Sue Bemister, Tammy Britt, Judy Smith, Wanda Morris, Karen Rohm, Linda Schumacher and Kathie Flecken.

 For many years, the Deep Creek Ladies of Elks have sponsored an Angel Tree for the children from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Charlotte County, Florida. This year, Melissa Nelson, Director, informed them that these children and their families had been adversely affected by the pandemic and therefore each child was asking for only one gift and nonperishable food for their families. On Nov. 2, the Angel Tree was set up and decorated with pearl angels made by member Judi Anderson. On Nov. 4, tags with 115 children’s names and wishes were put on the tree. A mere two weeks later, the last tag was removed. By Dec. 9, all gifts had been returned and there was a plethora of nonperishable food. On Dec. 10, Big Brother/Big Sister volunteers came to pick everything up. On the first trip, a large SUV was packed full with gifts. They returned with the SUV and a pickup truck for the food. In addition to all this, Deep Creek Lodge donated 115 gift cards totaling $2,300 from Publix so the families could purchase perishable foods for their holiday dinner.

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Written by Diane Hendrick

On Sept. 24, Fort Myers Lodge officers presented its $3,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to Major Tim Gilliam of the Salvation Army pantry in Fort Myers, Florida. Food pantry personnel try to help everyone who comes to the Outreach Service Center for food. Pictured are Eric Lane, campaign and partnership manager of the Salvation Army; Alan Anderson, Loyal Knight; Roger Spencer, Exalted Ruler; Major Gilliam; and David Lake, Past State President.

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Written by Diane Hendrick

On Sept. 24, Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 donated its $4,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to the Community Cooperative in Fort Myers, Florida. The mission of Community Cooperative is to eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education and social service programs.  Pictured are Alan Anderson, Loyal Knight; David Lake, Past State President; Stefani Ink-Edwards of the Community Cooperative; and Roger Spencer, Exalted Ruler.