by Hannah Jones
Donor Services Assistant
Hi all! My name is Hannah Jones, and I
am the new Donor Services Assistant at the Elks National Foundation. I joined the
Foundation in mid-July, so I’ve been immersed in this world for over two months
now, and wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to introduce myself to
Elkdom at large.
In case you’re wondering what a Donor
Services Assistant actually does, I’ll allow you a quick glimpse into my modest
yet surprisingly colorful cubicle to find out.
Usually a significant chunk of my day is
spent talking to Elks from all over the country on the phone to answer
different questions, especially questions related to donations and recognition.
I help Lodge ENF Fundraising Chairs and Secretaries navigate our website,
understand reports and standings, and explain how our donations are processed.

Most days, I work on our bank’s website
to download financial information for donation processing. Once a week, I send
out acknowledgment letters, which I periodically edit to include the most up-to-date
information on the Foundation. Once a month, I prepare recognition—the pins and
certificates that show our gratitude for the continued support of our donors. The
role of Donor Services Assistant is a grab-bag of responsibilities, but it’s
teaching me a lot about the behind-the-scenes work at a non-profit.

The best and most unexpected part of
this work so far has been discovering the immensely caring and familial world
of the Elks. I’ll admit, before I started working at the Foundation, I didn’t
know that much about the Elks. There was an Elks Lodge in my New Jersey hometown
(Ridgewood, N.J., Lodge No. 1455), which I passed frequently, but not once did
I pass the threshold and walk inside to uncover what the Elks are really about.
Now I get to learn more and more about the great heart of Elkdom every day.
Nothing has been more surprising than realizing the immense philanthropic power
and the mighty force of change that Elks wield in communities all over the
country.
I want to thank everyone that I’ve
talked to so far for welcoming me with such open arms into the Elks Family. I
hope I get the chance to get to know you and find more about the amazing things
happening at your Lodge soon! I’m always just a phone call or email away.
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