West Central District

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Written by May Graci

Charity Works, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is active in numerous philanthropic activities in the Tampa Bay area, donated 400 personal-size chalkboards and 200 heart-shaped pillows to St. Petersburg Elks Lodge #1224. On April 22, the lodge donated the chalkboards to We Rock the Spectrum Gym, The Kind Mouse and Eisenhower Elementary School. Students at the school also received the pillows. The total value of the donations was $3,000. Both organizations and the elementary school assist children with disabilities or who are in need or have food insecurities in the Tampa Bay community. Pictured are some of students holding their pillows.

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Written by Kim Debois

Holiday Isles Elks Lodge #1912 has reopened to the Monday and Wednesday Card Club players, and each of those days they make donations to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund by collecting $8 per table. Since opening back up in March, donations have totaled $246. As more players return, donations will increase.

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Written by May Graci

On March 29th, St. Petersburg Lodge held a drug awareness discussion with Boy Scout Troop 209, which included Al Literski, Loyal Knight, and Jan Giallourakis, lodge member and Ladies of Elks Auxiliary President. Having a conversation about drug abuse with children and teenagers can seem scary at first, but as long as everyone involved is nonjudgmental, honest and supportive, the conversation can be productive and beneficial. Each scout also received a drug awareness program bag, which included a red ribbon, several drug awareness pamphlets and two drug awareness themed coloring books. Pictured are Giallourakis and Literski with the scouts.

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Written by Rita Smith

Also on March 29, Tampa Lodge used $629.26 of their earned charity funds to provide a 65’’ TV and portable stand to Grady Elementary School. It will be utilized by office staff for Zoom meetings and other events. The portability of the stand, which was assembled by Elks, makes this a versatile gift that can also be used in a classroom or assembly. Pictured are Nicole Dreby, teacher; Mike Campbell, principal; Alexander Dreby; and Bonnie Atwood, member; Jim Dreby, member; and Chris Miles, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by May Graci

On March 16, St. Petersburg Lodge donated the use of it pool to the Police Athletic League (PAL), which provides mentoring, meals, academics and sports to at-risk youth. The lodge waived its pool fees for non-members/large groups and donated a case of cold water to PAL. With the support of donors such as the lodge and volunteers, PAL strives to build connections and change young people’s lives. PAL serves youth between 5 and 18 years of age. A total of 35 youth enjoyed using the lodge pool.

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Written by Rita Smith

On March 29, Tampa Lodge donated $300 to the Police Benevolent Association on behalf of the family of Tampa’s fallen Master Police Officer Jesse Madsen. Tampa Lodge also posted condolences on their large sign on the busy Gandy Boulevard. Officer Madsen was killed in the line of duty while trying to stop a driver going the wrong way on Interstate 275 in Tampa, Florida. “He served in the Marine Corps. He served overseas. He’s a decorated combat veteran. He also served in the Florida National Guard. He served with three police units, until he settled here at the Tampa Police Department. So service was nothing new to him,” said Danny Alvarez with the Police Benevolent Association. He is survived by his spouse and three children. Officer Madsen’s badge, number 507, will be retired and his name will be etched into the Tampa Police Fallen Officers Memorial.