Using its Elks National Foundation Beacon and Gratitude grants and a Florida State Elks Association matching grant, Sanford Elks Lodge #1241 hosted a Family Fun Day that included a school supply giveaway July 30. The lodge provided 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to kids in the community. The lodge hosted more than 400 attendees, and lodge members served lunch for the children and their families and participated with children in indoor and outdoor game stations and multiple craft stations. The Sanford Police Department also attended and brought their gaming truck, which was a hit for the older siblings. Various Elks programs were represented, including the Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot, scholarships and the Florida Elks major projects, including Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services (FECTS) therapists Beth Thiers and Jane Russo, who helped greet the guests and kids and spoke to them about the program.

Pictured are kids playing arcade basketball; Lisa Lindstrom, Exalted Ruler, with Ariel Robbins, 9, and Brett Robbins, 6; Elks volunteers passing out backpacks to families; member Joe English hosting a craft table; and FECTS therapists Beth Thiers and Jane Russo at their booth and sharing information with guests.