In November and December, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 used its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and matching funds from the Harry-Anna Trust Fund and partnered with local charities to provide food to more than 225 families throughout the holidays.

On Nov. 20, the lodge provided a turkey and $25 gift card to 36 foster families and single mothers through One More Child to help with a Thanksgiving meal. One More Child provides assistance to children who are hungry, in foster care or trafficked and to single mothers and struggling families in Alachua and surrounding counties. Pictured are Valerie Sanchez, licensing specialist; Mary Griffis, single moms supervisor; Melissa King, director of partnership; Lois Lembke, Gainesville administrative assistant; Dina Atalig, grant coordinator; and Brittany Sammons, supervisor foster care for Gainesville.

On Dec. 18, the lodge gave Christmas gifts from an angel tree to residents in the Fern House at Tacachale, the oldest and largest community for Floridians with developmental disabilities.  

On Dec. 20, the Lodge used grant funds to provide food to 22 families in need by partnering with Family Promise, a charity that helps provide shelters and food to families experiencing homelessness. Pictured Dec. 19 shopping for food at Walmart is Lecturing Knight, BJ Sullivan. Pictured delivering the food are Bobby Andreu, Exalted Ruler; BJ Sullivan; and BJ’s grandson, Damon Laboissoniere.

On Dec. 21, the lodge again supported One More Child by providing hams for Christmas meals to 17 foster families and single mothers. Pictured are Melissa King, director of partnership; Lois Lembke, Gainesville administrative assistant; Demetri Semper, licensing supervisor; and Anne Chastain, northeast regional director of foster care staff.

On Dec. 21, lodge volunteers provided food and assistance to the First Canaan United Methodist Church Christmas food drive in Waldo. Pictured are Rita Puentes, member; Dina Atalig, grant coordinator; Bobby Andreu, Exalted Ruler; Pastor Izzy; and BJ Sullivan, Lecturing Knight.

On Dec. 21, veteran Autumn, a recipient from Veterans Homeless to Home program (Secretary Linda Califf’s program), received a 20 lb. turkey from Publix with a $100 Walmart gift card for Christmas.

On Dec. 22, the lodge donated 20 hams for veterans for Christmas meals and $50 Publix gift cards to the Honor Center in Gainesville, which provides programs for homeless veterans. Pictured are Dr. Jerry Sartain, VAVS representative, and Dina Atalig, grant coordinator.