Southwest Central District

Details

Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

On Dec. 9, Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 used its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to donate $2,500 each to three Title I schools — Seffner, Yates and Lopez elementary schools. The schools will use their donation to purchase books, PE equipment, supplies for special education classes, and jackets and clothes for some students in need.

Pictured are PER Marionette Garvey and Renel Mathurin from Seffner Elementary.

Details

Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

On Dec. 11, Brandon Elks Lodge and Ladies members donated toys for the longtime lodge tradition of the Adopt-a-Family Christmas event, chaired by PER Marionette Garvey. Fifteen members and some of their grandchildren sorted and wrapped unwrapped gifts. The gifts are for local families who need a little assistance in making a Merry Christmas for their family. This year the lodge sponsored 17 families. Toys were provided for 41 children and dinner baskets were given to each family.

Pictured is member Martha wrapping.

Details

Written by Judy Wise

On Sept. 11, Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 honored first responders by bringing them lunch. Manny Rousso, owner of The Wooden Spoon, and Ryan Danielik, managing partner of The Outback Steakhouse, both lodge members, prepared the food. Fire Rescue Deputy Chief of Administration, Timothy Mossgrove, said the Elks “are amazing community partners. They support Fire and Rescue 100 percent. For them to think of us on such a memorial day of 9/11, to bring us lunch for all the crews at the department, is absolutely amazing. We really appreciate it.”

Pictured at the fire station are Captain Jeff Griggs; firefighters Cameron Hall and Corrin Pizzo; Captain Jason Mesa; firefighters William Sosa and Joseph Mitchell; Judy Wise, Exalted Ruler; Ed Wise, Leading Knight; and firefighter James Lee.

Pictured at the police department are Captain Ward; Shannon Gay, front receptionist; Howard Whitehead, operations; Deputy Chief Duralia; Ed Wise, Leading Knight; Captain Van Dyuane; Judy Wise, Exalted Ruler; and Officer Culmer.

Details

Written by Judy Wise

Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 held a trunk-or-treat Oct. 27 for members’ children and children from Everyday Blessings, a county foster care home. There were 38 children in attendance. Elroy the Elk (member Mark Henderson) was the hit of the day, pictured with a child from Everyday Blessings. The event also had games and a lunch of hot dogs and chips. Lodge members gave out candy from their decorated open trunks, and members donated candy even if they were unable to participate. Children also received Drug Awareness items.

Details

Written by Sebring Elks

On June 14, Sebring Lodge recognized two students who won the state Americanism essay contest and their teachers during the lodge’s Flag Day celebration. Both students read their essays, and then they and their teachers were awarded checks.

Pictured are Joe Stockenberg, Exalted Ruler; Donna Howerton, member; Lucia Guillen, sixth grade student; Tammy Goins, sixth grade teacher; Judy Hanson, PER; Tammy Williams, eighth grade teacher; Garrett Bihl, eighth grade student; and Diane Morse, Leading Knight.