On Dec. 12, more than 50 Elks, family and friends of Merritt Island Lodge volunteered their time to help give some holiday cheer to families in need with the Boot Strap event. This year, 74 families received plenty of food to last their holiday season and three people were given $100 gift cards to Aldi to help give them some holiday cheer. Food was purchased from the lodge account and members delivered the groceries to the recipients. “It’s unfortunate that so many families need assistance but it’s nice to know that we have so many Elks with big hearts,” said Marleen Kovalchik, lodge member.