Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 has a long-standing history of supporting veterans at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital through donations and providing 400 barbecue lunches for the veterans and staff members. However, this past year has been a challenge. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the hospital is guarded on what can be accepted. As a result, Lakeland Lodge got creative. On Oct. 2, members packed 72 backpacks for the hospital’s veterans. Each backpack had a blanket, socks and toiletries.  They were presented to the veterans Nov. 1. This project was led by Char Fisher. The money to support this project is from the Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant along with lodge fundraisers. Members pictured are Sandy Fuschetti; Ann Murray, PER; Penny Deig; Alice Murray; Nancy Read; Deanne Crosby; Marie Crosby; Char Fisher; Christy Frady and Vickie Crosby.