Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 was contacted by Carley Stepien of Wheelchairs 4 Kids in October to help obtain a therapy tricycle for a 5-year-old Jonas from the Jacksonville area, who has cerebral palsy. It was not covered by medical insurance and his family could not afford it. By early December, a total of $2,920 was collected to pay for the tricycle in full. Donations came from Jacksonville, Orange Park, Gainesville, St. Augustine and Green Cove Springs lodges as well as personal donations from members. Lodge members Mark Thompson and Brent Reedy assembled the tricycle. On Dec. 20, Jacksonville Lodge held a small reception for the family to present the tricycle to Jonas. The Dillhyon family was so grateful for this gift. Rae Montgomery, physical therapist from Florida Elks Childrens Therapy Services, was there to show Jonas and his family how to use the tricycle and to explain its functions.

Pictured in the back row are Bill Dillhyon, father; Pat Harris, donor; Jerry (last name unavailable), Orange Park Lodge member; John Pipkins; Donnie Rowand, donor; and Brent Reedy, donor. In the second row are Cathy Rowand, donor; FECTS Rae Montgomery, PT; David Graham, Exalted Ruler and donor; and Kathy Glass. Down front: in the front row are Katie, sister; Jonas; and Amanda, mother. Also pictured is Jonas using the tricycle with direction from Rae Montgomery, PT.