Master Deputy Carmen Acevedo of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office had the opportunity to be a part of this story from both the giving and receiving end. Deputy Acevedo is a school resource officer for Waterford Elementary School in Orlando, Florida. She has also been a member of Orlando Elks Lodge for four years and volunteers when she can; she recently became her lodge’s Public Relations chair as well. Her pride in her fellow lodge members as well as her gratitude on behalf of her school prompted her to share the following story.

Each week, members Denise Johns, Kim Casey and Maria Morales set up bingo and collect food for the Waterford Elementary food pantry, toiletry stock, school supplies, shoes and bicycle helmets for families in need. Recently, the school provided food to a family from another school that lost everything when their house caught on fire. “Thanks to the donations the Elks bingo family gives, it filled our pantry to help others in need. The Orlando Elks 1079 really cares about its children and our community. They will be working closely with our school to make the holidays great. Unfortunately, there are even teachers who are struggling because they are the only person working at home. We are also not only giving to the children but even the teachers this year. I just wanted to take a moment to thank three wonderful women from Orlando Elks Lodge #1079…for their act of kindness,” reports Acevedo.

As a school resource officer (SRO), Acevedo explains that she assists “the school administration in maintaining a safe and secure environment. I also help resolve problems affecting the children and work closely with the youth/staff. When working, I value each one of these students because they are special in every way. I truly want to protect them, make them smile and guide them to become great Americans,” she notes.

On Sept. 15, Acevedo picked up five boxes of food and supplies from the lodge and delivered them to the school. On Sept. 23, Casey and Johns delivered additional food in a tightly packed SUV. Once all the food was separated by Waterford staff members Aixa Santiago and Maria Bassmaji, they arranged the pantry and continuously monitor expiration dates. Danielle Arbelaez-Willis, principal, works to keep this pantry open to help families in need while other schools have had to close their pantries.

This sworn law enforcement officer says that these three ladies are truly her heroes. That says a lot about the good work the Elks do in their communities when Elks are an officer’s heroes.

Pictured Sept. 23 are Stephanie Panas, Waterford Elementary counselor, and Orlando Elks Denise Johns, Kim Casey and Deputy Carmen Acevedo.

Orlando Elks Kim Casey and Denise Johns deliver items for Waterford Elementary’s pantry Sept. 23.

Food delivered Sept. 23 by Orlando Elks’ bingo donations

Waterford Elementary's pantry