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Written by Naples Elks

On Feb. 8, Naples Elks Lodge members set up a booth at the Marco Island Farmers Market to share information about the Elks Drug Awareness program and items such as water bottles, pamphlets and coasters. The booth was set up at 6:15 a.m. and lasted until 1 p.m. They talked with more than 110 residents and visitors on the island.

Pictured are Denise Holmes, Drug Awareness Chair, and Margaret Gray, PER.

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Written by Carmen Rivera

Orlando Elks Lodge #1079 made a heartfelt impact Jan. 5 by hosting two events for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida community — a baby shower followed by the Three Kings event. Funded by the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant, this initiative brought vital resources and unforgettable moments of celebration to families raising children with Down syndrome. The baby shower was for families with infants who have Down syndrome, as well as expectant parents in the DSACF. The lodge provided essential items such as diapers, baby wipes, ointments and nutritious food pouches, supplies that are especially critical for families facing the unique challenges of extended diaper use due to developmental delays.

A highlight of the day was the presentation by author Wanda Reyes, who read her heartwarming children’s book, “Valentino's Purpose.” This story follows the journey of Valentino, a service dog with a flair for fashion, and teaches young readers about diversity, self-expression and acceptance. The tale encourages children to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate differences. Parents and children were captivated by the uplifting message, which fosters a sense of inclusion and inspires confidence in being true to oneself. The lodge also made a $1,000 donation to DSACF, which will support families of newborns with Down syndrome by providing resources and educational tools to parents. The donation will also contribute to literacy initiatives, helping families and children build foundational skills for reading and early education.

Later in the day, the lodge welcomed 75 families with children of all ages from DSACF to the Three Kings event. The name comes from Three Kings' Day (Día de los Reyes), which is widely celebrated in many cultures as a time of giving and community. Guests were treated to lunch, games, storytelling and gifts. Lodge members distributed books, activity supplies and other essentials, creating an atmosphere of joy and community while helping to ease the financial and emotional burdens these families often encounter. “This event was not just about giving items — it was about sharing moments of connection and bringing smiles to the faces of children and their families,” shared Carmen Rivera, lodge trustee. “Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces reminded us why the Elks are committed to supporting our community.”

Pictured:

Santa (Jose Rodriguez); Mrs. Claus (Jossie Havens); Carmen Rivera, lodge chair; Marniebel Castro, Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida program development manager; Victor Berrios, Exalted Ruler; and Roxy Santiago, trustee
Elk Edwin Alvarado and event guests Saris Cruz and JP Rodriguez
Gifts are displayed for attendees
Author Wanda Reyes addresses those in attendance
Gifts at the baby shower next to a lit Christmas tree
Barbara Meeker and Roxy Santiago, trustee, at the book table
Author Wanda Reyes behind her table display
Wanda Reyes, Valentino Dog poster and Samantha Stuart
Jossie Haven, trustee, and Tanya Ramos, volunteer, behind the food table
Commissioner Patty Sheehan, lodge member, was the guest speaker and stayed to help distribute books.
Three kings: Gonzalo Quezada, Eduardo Rivera and David Stuart

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

On Jan. 20, Fort Walton Elks Lodge #1795 supported the Wreaths Across America program at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach with a $3,000 donation. The remembrance wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves. According to U.S. Army First Sergeant (Ret.) Tom Rice, this donation covers 75% of the 2025 goal for the cost of wreaths.

Pictured are Rob Parks, Exalted Ruler; Jamie Clemons, Secretary; Susan Henry, chaplain; Renea Black, Inner Guard; U.S. Army First Sergeant (Ret.) Tom Rice; Tom Knowles, PER; Tom McLaughlin, PER; Heath Hamilton, Tiler; and Linda Mayfield, PER, endorsed District Vice President.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

On Dec. 15, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 sent five teams to 25 Walgreens stores in Manatee and Sarasota counties to pick up 7,500 donated toys for children for Christmas. There were a total of 24 Elk volunteers participating. All of the toys were brought into the dining room and separated by gender and age groups. The lodge shared the toys with Prodigal Daughters in Sarasota, a home for mothers recovering from abuse or addiction and their children are allowed to live with them for up to two years to assist them in regaining a regular life. The two women who came to the lodge from this organization to pick out gifts were hesitant to take much. They were encouraged to take what they would like and left with a van full of goodies and were thrilled. A teacher from a Sarasota school came to collect books, puzzles and crayons for backpacks she was stuffing. Other gifts went to a migrant village. Members from a Myakka church came with a truck and picked up the balance of the toys to distribute to church families in need.

Pictured are Connie Graber and Roe Hyer sorting the toys and making sure they were safe for the children. 

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Written by Tracy Carroll, PER

Jacksonville and Orange Park Elks lodges teamed up and collected toys for local kids donated by members through the Marines Toys for Tots program. Donations exceeded six overflowing boxes of new toys as well as eight new bicycles.

Pictured are members from both lodges with the gifts.

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Written by Jacksonville Elks

On Dec. 6, Jacksonville Lodge delivered the 19th and 20th Welcome Home Kits to veterans transitioning from the Northeast Florida Women Veterans Center. Navy veteran Pat is a retired senior who is writing a book. Although she had several boxes in her living room, she said they mostly contained books, so the kit of kitchen, bathroom and cleaning supplies was most appreciated. Army and Air Force veteran Natalie’s kit was smaller, since she had already received several household items from other resources. She was very grateful for the two living room chairs so she could “finally sit down.” They were each gifted a donated patriotic quilt from the Comfort n Quilters group. A total of $290.59 was spent on the kits for both veterans.
Other items donated included in the Kits were pillows, bedding, blankets, dishes, pots and pans, kitchenware, towels, basic toiletries, shower liner, light bulbs, broom, mop and bucket, sponges, and a coffee maker, as well and food items purchased at the NAS JAX Commissary by Karen Tracy.

Pictured are Pat and Natalie with their quilts.