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Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Our Military & Veterans
Hollywood West Elks Bring Petting Zoo to Sandy Nininger State Veteran's Nursing Home
- Details
- Written by Telly Sands
On Feb. 20, the Hollywood West Elks Lodge Veterans Committee arranged for Fancy’s Magical Critters Inc. to bring its local traveling petting zoo of cows, goats, pigs, llamas, ponies, chickens, ducks, rabbits and camels to Sandy Nininger State Veteran's Nursing Home, located in Pembroke Pines. Mike Maiocco, Veterans Committee Chair, and committee member Shelley Sarros helped set up the event for the veterans. Everyone had a wonderful time.
Pictured are Mike Maiocco overseeing two llamas with a veteran and veterans viewing a pen filled with multiple animals outside.
Lakeland Elks Fund Veterans' Expenses to Attend National Golden Age Games
- Details
- Written by Lakeland Elks
On Feb. 12, Lakeland Lodge donated $8,000 to veterans at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital to help with their expenses to attend the National Golden Age Games in Memphis, Tennessee, in May 2025. These games were started by the VA and promote physical activity through competitive sports to improve health and wellness.
Pictured are Eric Schlaak, Exalted Ruler; Geoff Hopkins, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital section chief recreation therapy and creative arts; and Char Fisher, Lodge Veterans Chair.
Sarasota South and Parrish Elks Participate in Veterans' Stand Down
- Details
- Written by Dee Pico-Keim
Six members of Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 and two members of Parrish Elks Lodge #2889 (Joe and Sharon Kline) took part in a Stand Down Feb. 22 at Robarts Arena in Sarasota. They distributed backpacks to more than 70 veterans who are disabled and experiencing homelessness. Included in the backpacks were blankets, gloves, hats, socks, rain gear, and all toiletries, including toothpaste, toothbrushes and more. The members talked with the veterans, who shared their struggles and thanked them for the gifts, but the members responded that they were the ones who were grateful for their service.
Pictured are Paul Morton, Debbie Morton, Joe Kline, Lynn Monahan, Sharon Kline, Dee Pico-Keim, Paul Garcia and Paul DiBona.
Green Cove Springs Elks Host Cornhole Challenge for Army of Hope
- Details
- Written by Tracy Carroll, PER
On Jan. 26, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 invited members from the Northeast District to participate in a cornhole challenge to support the Army of Hope. The event, which was coordinated by trustee Rob Loryea and was attended by 17 players and additional spectators, raised $500.
Pictured are the players, who were from Green Cove Springs and Jacksonville lodges.
Elks in South Southwest District Host Successful Army of Hope Fundraiser
- Details
- Written by South Southwest District Lodges
All 10 lodges of the South Southwest District participated in the Florida Elks’ Army of Hope picnic and silent auction fundraiser Feb. 26, which had approximately 100 attendees. The Florida Elks’ Army of Hope provides vital assistance to the families of deployed and injured U.S. service members. Bonita Springs-Estero Lodge #2753 donated their lodge building for this event. The district raised a total of $33,141.59, with Naples Lodge #2010 donating $10,000 from its charity fund and Punta Gorda Lodge #2606 donating $2,500. Punta Gorda members also provided food for the picnic and assembled six silent auction baskets, and eight members served food throughout the event.
Punta Gorda Elks Entertain Residents at Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home
- Details
- Written by Punta Gorda Elks
Punta Gorda Lodge members hosted a songfest Feb. 27 for 36 residents at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home. The karaoke-style event, led by PER Bill Jameson and five members, brought smiles, laughter and fond memories to everyone in attendance. Residents swayed, clapped and sang along to beloved classics. One resident, delighting in the familiar tunes, realized it was his own daughter serenading him with song after song.
St. Augustine Elks Deliver 14 Welcome Home Kits for Veterans
- Details
- Written by Cathy Walsh
Members of St. Augustine Elks Lodge #829 delivered 14 Welcome Home Kits for veterans Feb. 11 to Veterans Village. This facility used to be the Old Town Motel on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. It has 22 units and serves as transitional or permanent housing, depending on each veteran’s needs. A lodge committee was formed to provide Welcome Home Kits. A basic kit was devised and wish lists were provided to personalize the kits.
Pictured are Brian Welliver, Exalted Ruler; Cathy Walsh, charity chair; Janet Barrett, Loyal Knight; Mary Cooke, Home Again St. Johns coordinator; Dale Bowers; Kevin Walsh; and Sarah McLevy, lodge grant coordinator.
Throughout Year, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Help Veterans in Need
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
During the 2024-2025 Elk year, the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge Veterans Committee served four luncheons, serving 80 veterans at Veterans Village in Bradenton. They also supplied a new laptop, refrigerator, furniture, and multiple supplies such as sheets, pillows, comforters, blankets, bed frames, and cleaning supplies for veterans transitioning into permanent housing. Funds were used from a $10,000 Focus Grant and a $1,000 Freedom Grant, both from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. Tom Sweeney, Lodge Veterans Chair, maintains constant communication with the administrators to see what is most needed for veterans transitioning to permanent housing.
Gainesville Elks Help Seven More Veterans with Needed Household Items
- Details
- Written by Linda Califf
Between Dec. 23 and Jan. 5, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 member Linda Califf and Jerry Blanton, a volunteer Army veteran, delivered Welcome Home Kits to seven veterans using the Elks National Veterans Service Commission kit reimbursement program. More than 70 veterans have been served since April 2024. The lodge submits reimbursement requests almost weekly to the ENVSC. It is an ongoing project that the lodge is very proud to be involved with and the veterans served are so grateful. The lodge works with the local HUDVash VA organization and the Honor Center to receive referrals of unhoused veterans moving into independent living.
Pictured are veteran Scott Starling in his home receiving his items and Navy veteran Cory Matchett with his items.
Lakeland Elks Host Elks Olympics with Fundraiser for Veterans
- Details
- Written by Lakeland Elks
On Jan. 25, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 hosted the second round of the fifth annual Elks Olympics between the Lakeland, Plant City and Brandon lodges. Members from each lodge competed in a dart tournament, horseshoe tournament, chicken wing cook-off and a best brownie competition. The 50/50 raised $115 for veterans.
Pictured playing darts is John Hedrick, Lakeland Treasurer. A member from Brandon Lodge is pictured playing horseshoes.
Plant City Elks Lodge Supports Chad's Promise for Veterans' Dogs
- Details
- Written by Plant City Elks
On Jan. 22, Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 donated $500 to Chad's Promise, a 501c3 organization based in Plant City. When a veteran with health problems needs to go into the hospital, they will resist, at the risk of their own life, because they fear they will have to give up their dog — their best friend, companion and lifeline — and never get them back. Chad's Promise boards these dogs for free and returns them when the veterans can leave the hospital. The organization also has transport services. Many veterans have credited their dog for saving them.
Pictured are Chad Landry and Judy Wise, Exalted Ruler.
St. Augustine Elks Donate Gifts to Clyde E. Lassen Veterans Nursing Home
- Details
- Written by Cathy Walsh
On Dec. 24, St. Augustine Elks Lodge #829 donated three Blu-ray DVD players to the Clyde E. Lassen Veterans Nursing Home for use in their activity room. The lodge also provided items for a New Year’s Eve party, including a 2025 banner, sparkling grape juice, hats, tiaras, noisemakers and fancy glasses.
Pictured in the front row are residents John Ford, Theresa Lewis, Brad Stlas and Vincent Erato. In the second row are Brian Welliver, Exalted Ruler; Janet Barrett, Loyal Knight; and Randy Cook, PER, Leading Knight.