On Aug. 8, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 donated its $1,000 Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant to Operation Barnabas, along with over 550 household and toiletry items donated by members and guests during the lodge's Christmas-in-July collection. This organization provides a variety of services to local veterans, including counseling, mentoring and housing assistance.
Pictured in the back row are Eddie Thompson, member; John Green, Operation Barnabas CEO; Barbara Thompson, House Committee secretary; Sally Thorsen, lodge volunteer; and Eric Thorsen, House Committee chair. In the front row are Jackson Green, Operation Barnabas communications director; Christopher Riendeau, Operation Barnabas materials coordinator and lodge member; and Richard Swain, Operation Barnabas housing coordinator.