On Nov. 9, Lakeland Lodge presented their Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant of $2,000 as well as member donations of more than $1,100 to Senior Orphans of Polk County. Founded over 25 years ago, this program assists local, indigent seniors without family support and monthly incomes of $600 or less. Senior Orphans is 100% volunteer driven with no administrative costs. They accept donations such as personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and paper goods, and when a case manager contacts the program, they have immediate access to their clients’ needed supplies. The donations help thousands of needy seniors with their day-to-day living expenses. Seniors are screened through qualified agencies such as the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Polk Elderly Services or Peace River Association. Senior Orphans and the agency case managers are careful to ensure that the neediest of the needy receive assistance.
Pictured at the donation presentation from Lakeland Lodge to Senior Orphans of Polk County are Beverly Corneilus, Senior Orphans coordinator; James Crosby, PER, Senior Orphans co-chair; Vicki Baker, Exalted Ruler; John Mathison, trustee chairman; Sher Thrush, trustee and Senior Orphans co-chair; Rick Burton, Leading Knight; Charlene Fisher, grant coordinator; and Carl Hutchcraft, member.