Southwest Central District

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Written by Lakeland Elks

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On Aug. 23, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 hosted a KidsPack packing event, with 42 members and guests participating. They assembled 1,000 meal packs for local elementary and middle school students who are experiencing homelessness. The food packs were placed in backpacks and distributed in September. Funds from the lodge’s $4,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and the state association’s Harry-Anna Trust Fund matching grant were used to purchase the food items.

Pictured are Patty Strickland lodge member with KidsPack; Char Fisher, member; and Amy Royal with KidsPack.

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Written by Plant City Elks

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On July 31, Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 donated toys valued at over $350 to the Plant City Police Department’s Christmas-in-July fundraiser, which supported children in local hospitals. The contribution was made from the charity account, which is sustained by proceeds from Queen of Hearts and bingo events as well as member donations.

Pictured are Officer Royal; Judy Wise, PER; Officer Vince Wise (Elk member); and Deputy Chief Centanni.

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Written by Sebring Elks

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For the last several years, Sebring Lodge has sponsored the Walk for Memories, hosted by Change of Pace, an adult daycare and activity center for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other memory care needs. On July 16, the lodge donated $250 from the charity bingo account to the Sam McKissock Sponsorship Fund, which is used to help caregivers cover the cost of daycare for seniors. At no charge, caregivers can drop off the senior citizens in their care at the center for the day to socialize and do activities with other people their age. This frees caregivers to do errands or go to appointments that they can’t do while caring for a senior citizen. The Change of Pace staff also offers support groups for the caregivers.

Pictured are Brenda Richards, lodge member, and Cora Swingle, Change of Pace administrator.

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Written by Sebring Elks

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On Aug. 1, the Sebring Elks Lodge Veterans Committee received a donated refrigerator from ABC Appliance in Sebring. The committee then donated the refrigerator, along with other personal and hygiene items, to the New Testament Church and Mission in Sebring. The Mission helps veterans as well as unhoused members of the community with essential services such as feeding, clothing, housing and emotional support.

Pictured are Brenda Walton, Loyal Knight and Veterans Chair; Ron Schillfarth, trustee and Veterans Committee member; and Josh Young, Mission’s head Men’s director.

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Written by Brandon Elks

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On July 30, Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 donated $2,500 to the Dover Patriots, a tackle football and cheerleading organization for children in Dover and its surrounding communities. The program’s mission is to provide an environment for student athletes to learn life skills such as goal setting, responsibility and leadership. The organization's goal is to encourage sportsmanship and physical fitness activities while prioritizing the importance of scholastic achievement. This nonprofit organization relies on fundraising activities and sponsorship donations from the community. The lodge donation will be used to help with expenses for uniforms, sneakers, bows and anything else needed by the football and cheerleading organization. The program is available for Mighty Mites (ages 5-6), Peewee (ages 7-8), Midgets (ages 9-10), Junior Varsity (ages 11-12) and Varsity (ages 13-14). Pictured are coaches, parents, football players and cheerleaders.

Pictured in the back left with them are Lou Valencia, Exalted Ruler, and Marionette Garvey, PER.