On Oct. 6, Elks lodges in the Northwest District became the collection and pickup areas for donations for the victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton. Pensacola Beach lodge member Jennifer McGregor was contacted by Todd Terrell, founder and president of the United Cajun Navy, for assistance in collecting much-needed donations. She passed this information to District Deputy Don Padget, who immediately reached out to the entire district for assistance. The request was for donations, including nonperishable food items, diapers, hygiene products, water, gas cans, etc. Almost one ton of donations were collected and staged at Warrington Lodge #2108, Pensacola Beach Lodge #497, Holley-Navarre Lodge #2787 and Fort Walton Lodge #1795. The donations were picked up by an 18-wheeler semitrailer truck from the United Cajun Navy to be transported to Perry, Florida, and the areas hit by these hurricanes.

The pictures show the lodges’ efforts.