West Central District

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Written by Tampa Elks

At the request of Wheelchairs 4 Kids, the lodges of the West Central District donated $2,200 to purchase an adaptive tricycle for 5-year-old Marli who has cerebral palsy. Wheelchairs 4 Kids is a nonprofit organization that assists children with physical disabilities by supplying wheelchairs, modifying vehicles, and providing other assistive and therapeutic devices. Erin Wilson, Programs Coordinator for Wheelchairs 4 Kids, describes Marli. She “endures numerous obstacles as a result of the illness. She is nonverbal. Marli uses a G-tube for nourishment. She also cannot walk. The little girl, however, is happy despite her limitations. Many things make Marli smile. Every day she learns something new by watching ‘Sesame Street.’ Her favorite movies include ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Wildcrats.’ Marli also listens to children’s music, but her favorite artist is the reggae superstar Bob Marley. On special occasions, she and her family visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Her must-go-on ride is the Carousel of Progress. Most of all, Marli loves playing with her brother. They can be silly and goofy, and at day’s end, a bit of silliness is Marli’s best medicine.” Pictured are Chris Miles, Tampa Lodge Exalted Ruler; Toni Goodrich, PDD of St. Petersburg Lodge; Bonnie McManus and Rhonda Smith from Holiday Isles Lodge; Dave Marcinkowski from New Port Richey Lodge; physical therapist Nick Hamilton from Charlie’s Champs (the other partner in the purchase); Erin Wilson from Wheelchairs 4 Kids; Raquel Scott, Marli’s mother, holding Marli; Mozes Scott, Marli’s brother, sitting on the tricycle; and Garrett Scott, Marli’s father.

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Written by Jeanne Reinhart, PDD

On Jan. 30, Largo Elks Lodge members shopped for nonperishable food items to be delivered to Pinellas Safe Harbor, a homeless shelter in Largo run by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Using the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant, they used $1,000 to purchase food at Sam’s Club. The lodge also holds clothing drives and couples the clothing donations with clothing purchased with the remaining $1,000 from the grant. The facility has at least 425 people, primarily men, pass through their doors every day. Members Jeanne Reinhart, PDD; Alice Wallace and Barbara Hennessey are pictured after purchasing the food. Pictured at the delivery are members Ed Cabana and Alice Wallace; Sergeant Debra Knighton; Jeanne Reinhart, PDD; and CJS Nunez.

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Written by May Graci

On Dec. 2, St. Peterburg Elks Lodge #1224 donated $250 to the Pinellas Academy of Math and Science, a charter-public school in Clearwater, Florida, in Pinellas County. The school serves 611 students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. The mission of the school is to provide students with a well-rounded elementary and middle-school education through a challenging program focused on mathematics and science using innovative, reform-based, instructional methods in a stimulating and nurturing environment that fosters maximum student achievement. The donation will be used to purchase school supplies.

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Written by May Graci

On Dec. 19, St. Petersburg Lodge’s team of volunteers spearheaded by Christmas food drive chairman, Mimi Reich, put together 300 Christmas dinner boxes valued at $11,724.40 that contained a complete Christmas dinner for a family of 4-6 members. In each box was a $20 gift card for a ham or turkey. The lodge used their $2,500 Gratitude Grant, $2,500 Beacon Grant and $2,000 Spotlight Grants from the Elks National Foundation plus lodge member donations of food and money. Toys that were donated by Florida Elks State Association and Walgreens were included in 22 of the boxes. Home Depot donated the boxes. The volunteers delivered nine boxes to Heaven on Earth for Veterans whose mission is to alleviate Pinellas County veteran homelessness by providing quality, low cost, safe living spaces. Six boxes went to families in need at Tyrone Middle School, 22 boxes went to single-parent homes with two to four kids each, and the remaining 263 boxes along with excess food went to the 38th Avenue Baptist church to be delivered through their indigent family care list.

Details

Written by May Graci

On Dec. 19, St. Petersburg Lodge’s team of volunteers spearheaded by Christmas food drive chairman, Mimi Reich, put together 300 Christmas dinner boxes valued at $11,724.40 that contained a complete Christmas dinner for a family of 4-6 members. In each box was a $20 gift card for a ham or turkey. The lodge used their $2,500 Gratitude Grant, $2,500 Beacon Grant and $2,000 Spotlight Grants from the Elks National Foundation plus lodge member donations of food and money. Toys that were donated by Florida Elks State Association and Walgreens were included in 22 of the boxes. Home Depot donated the boxes. The volunteers delivered nine boxes to Heaven on Earth for Veterans whose mission is to alleviate Pinellas County veteran homelessness by providing quality, low cost, safe living spaces. Six boxes went to families in need at Tyrone Middle School, 22 boxes went to single-parent homes with two to four kids each, and the remaining 263 boxes along with excess food went to the 38th Avenue Baptist church to be delivered through their indigent family care list.

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Written by Rita Smith

In late December, Tampa Elks Lodge #708 was awarded the Elks National Foundation Impact Grant for the fifth year for their program at a local high school where they sponsor an authorized school club, Club Chivalry for Successful Students. They purchased computers for the Avid classroom which is where most students come in contact with the club sponsor. The students receive T-shirts and school supplies to help them succeed. During the year they provide refreshments and Elks give motivational speeches at the eight club meetings held during the school year. Elks also chaperone and provide refreshments for field trips year-round and fully sponsor two field trips in the spring and an on-campus field trip in the fall. 

 Tampa Lodge member John Flowers speaks to Club Chivalry members about his career in sports television Nov. 18 prior to a field trip to Steinbrenner Field where the Yankees minor league team plays and the spring training field) to learn about careers in sports. 

Club Chivalry students use computers provided by Tampa Lodge’s Elks National Foundation Impact Grant.