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Written by gr

Green Cove Springs Lodge presented 25 tote bags full of toiletries, household supplies and snacks to the Green Cove Springs Senior Center Aug. 13. Each of the bags, funded by the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant, also contained a $25 grocery store gift card. The lodge's bingo association also presented them with a $1,000 check.

Pictured are P.C. Barrette, member; Jennifer Parker, Exalted Ruler; Jacqueline Bennett, senior center supervisor; Dianne Schaub, senior center volunteer; Ed Weston, PER Chair; and Anna Eden, member.

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Written by South Miami/Coral Gables Elks

South Miami/Coral Gables Elks Lodge #1676, along with Miami Lodge #948 and Florida Keys Lodge #1872, collaborated to collect more than $60,000 in furniture, dishes and small appliances to for veterans living at Modern Towers, an apartment complex that provides permanent housing for veterans and first responders who were previously homeless. Under the direction of Captain Fred Jaca, PDD, South District Veterans Chair, South Miami/Coral Gables Lodge’s Manny Perez, Exalted Ruler; Reggie Hernandez, PER; and Rick Del Vecchio, Secretary, teamed with Miami Lodge’s Sharon Weiss and Ozzie Perez and Florida Keys Lodge’s Frank Veltri, Exalted Ruler, to collect and deliver several truckloads of furnishings to the Towers. Florida Keys Lodge donated dishes Aug. 2. On Sept. 10 and Sept. 11, Jaca made several trips to pick up donated furniture and delivered it to Modern Towers. This will be an ongoing team project among these three lodges, as the complex will eventually house hundreds of veterans.

Pictured is some of the donated furniture.

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Written by Linda Califf

Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 is actively involved with the veterans’ Welcome Home Kit program, offered by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. Past Secretary Linda Califf, Lodge Veterans Chair, completed a shopping trip for three veterans’ kits, which include cleaning supplies, towels, washcloths and a blanket. The lodge then completes the veterans’ wish list, which covers all items they desire to completely set up their homes for independent living. Such items include pots and pans, dishes, glassware, utensils, microwaves, coffee pots, crock pots, toaster ovens, vacuums, sheets and comforters, can openers, toasters, and many other items they choose with the assistance of their social workers at the HUD-VASH Honor Center.

Linda Califf is shown with items purchased on the lodge’s 26th Welcome Home Kit shopping trip, which brings the total number of veterans served to 103. The items were delivered August 19.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

Sanford Lodge was approached by the Daytona Beach VA to sponsor a plaque that would be placed at the entrance of the newly built facility. Eighteen members donated funds totaling $1,230. The plaque was designed by the Sanford Veterans Committee and was presented July 24.

Pictured are Jeff Rumler, PDD; Tony Viana, Daytona Beach VA; and Donald Soderblom, Lodge Veterans Chair. Also pictured is an aerial photo of the VA.

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Written by Cathy Walsh

On Sept. 11, St. Augustine Lodge presented checks, food and other items to Veterans Village Home for Heroes. The Veterans Council of St. Johns County and Home Again St. Johns collaborated in procuring funding to purchase the Old Town Motel on Anastasia Island. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs provided a $3 million grant to purchase the motel and refurbish it. It has 22 units and will serve as transitional or permanent housing, depending on the veteran. Since opening, the facility has housed 35 veterans. Sarah McLevy, Lodge Grant Coordinator, recognized a need to stock the on-site food pantry and utilized the $2,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. Brian Welliver, Exalted Ruler, worked with her to organize the donations. Cathy Walsh, charity chair, asked members to donate items such as food, hygienic supplies, paper products and water. They responded by donating approximately $2,000 worth of goods. Jessica Littlefield, Elk and Navy Seabee veteran, acquired a used freezer from her employer, loaded it into her vehicle and delivered it to the village. This will increase the type of food that can be provided for the veterans. As this motel was older, it needed major renovations, so McLevy applied for the $4,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and received a matching $4,000 grant from the Harry-Anna Trust Fund. They purchased new air conditioners for failing units, a multitude of power tools and other items needed to repair and maintain the village. Retired LTC Sarah McLevy, president of the Military Officers  Association of America – Ancient City Chapter, led her organization in throwing a barbecue, attended by eight veterans and 12 volunteers.

Pictured are Janet Barrett, Leading Knight; Cathy Walsh, charity chair; Kyle Payne and Rachel Fulghum, Home Again St. Johns; Paul Beachem, MOAA-ACC; Jim Bellamy, Veterans Chair; Gayle Cargilo, MOAA-ACC; James Cargilo, member and MOAA-ACC; Steve Muskett, MOAA-ACC; Brian Welliver, Exalted Ruler; Sarah McLevy, Lodge Grant Coordinator and MOAA-ACC; and Kevin Walsh and Jessica Littlefield, members. Also pictured is Jessica Littlefield with the donated freezer.

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Written by Gainesville Elks

Gainesville Elks #990 donated $792 worth of school supplies to the assisted living community The Gables of Gainesville Aug. 5. The residents put together 30 backpacks, which included paper, notebooks, crayons, erasers, binders and more. These backpacks were then delivered to local families in need for their children.

Pictured is staff member Jimmy McFall on his way to deliver two backpacks.