Elks National Foundation Blog

Greenwood, Miss., Lodge No. 854 With the help of the Elks from Greenwood, Miss., Lodge No. 854, Sgt. John Pittman Drive—a major route in the city of Greenwood—is looking more beautiful than ever. The Lodge used an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to partner with Boy Scout Troop 200, the Greenwood Department of Public Works, and local volunteers to improve the appearance of this major road.    Thanks to the hard work and dedication of all the individuals involved in making this project a success, 214 trees were planted along the route. “The Lodge came together and made this a success,” says Community Investments Program Project Manager Walter Jordan. “More members and citizens have expressed a desire to participate in the continuation of the project next year.” A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Elks National Foundation helps Elks build stronger communities through programs that support youth, serve veterans, and meet needs in areas where Elks live and ...

Newport, Vt., Lodge No. 2155 This year, community members in need from Orleans, Vt. have so much to be thankful for. They’re thankful for support from friends and family, food and fellowship on holidays, and—because of the Elks—a stronger community. Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Newport, Vt., Lodge No. 2155 partnered with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Derby, Vt. and the Area Agency on Aging to hold a Thanksgiving dinner at the Lodge for more than 500 people in need. Elks invited local groups to come together and ensure a successful dinner. Local businesses grew or donated most of the food. This included potatoes—farmed in Stanstead, Quebec—and pies, baked by the culinary class at North Country High School. Elks cooked the Thanksgiving meal for their guests and delivered more than 175 meals to homebound community members. Boy Scouts served the turkey dinner, local bands entertained the crowd, and guests enjoyed the company of the Elks and the community....

Weehawken, N.J., Lodge No. 1456 Weehawken, N.J. is a more beautiful place thanks to the Elks! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Weehawken, N.J., Lodge No. 1456 partnered with local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, a teen peer leadership group, and other high school students to plant a garden surrounding Weehawken Town Hall. The students gave this project two green thumbs up! They enjoyed digging in the dirt, and working alongside other local youth and the Elks. To keep the plants and their new friendships thriving, the Elks plan to tend to the community garden year-round. “The Lodge furthered its status in the community by working with youth on this visible project,” says Project Manager Thomas Rovito. “We plan to plant more next year, and cultivate this project for years to come.” Does your Lodge want to be featured on the ENF blog or other ENF pages? Simply submit fabulous Final Report Forms! Include project successes, feedback from the Lodge and community, and ...

Franklin, N.H., Lodge No. 1280 When you think of famous trailblazers, who come to mind? Lewis and Clark? Daniel Boone? The Franklin Elks? Armed with their gear and an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , members of Franklin, N.H., Lodge No. 1280 partnered with local Boy Scouts and mapped hiking trails throughout the Great Gains Memorial Forest in Franklin, N.H. The Elks and the scouts headed out into the wilderness, cleared two trails, and built two bridges and a picnic table. To encourage all kinds of exercise, the Elks and their new partners are working year-round to finish walking, biking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails. And that’s only Stage 1. The Elks anticipate that the entire project will take four to five years to complete. With the support of the ENF Beacon Grant, they are looking forward to working with the Boy Scouts every step of the way. “Our project utilizes a very valuable local resource, offering residents a new outdoor experience,” says Pro...

Virginia Beach, Va., Lodge No. 2268 Members of Virginia Beach, Va., Lodge No. 2268 aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty for a good cause. In partnership with a local Boy Scout Troop, the Lodge used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to refurbish a remembrance garden at the Edmarc Hospice for Children. Elks and scouts worked side-by-side, raking, mulching, and planting flowers to create a beautiful outdoor garden space that patients can enjoy. The Lodge also entered pictures from the project—just like the one above—in last year’s Community Investments Program photo contest. It’s that time of year again! The 2012-13 CIP photo contest is happening now. If your Lodge has great pictures of Elks using CIP grants in the community, submit them to the ENF. You could win a brand-new digital camera! Click here for complete contest details. Don’t delay! Submissions are due by March 31. The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to...

Mid-Westchester, N.Y., Lodge No. 535 Thanks to the Elks, Boy Scouts in Mid-Westchester, N.Y., are even more prepared. Mid-Westchester Lodge No. 535 is the proud founding sponsor of a local Boy Scout troop for boys with physical and developmental disabilities. With the help of an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , the 10 scouts in Pack 535 can participate in meaningful activities and earn badges through a modified scouting curriculum. This year, the scouts will visit community helpers and responders, participate in outdoor activities, explore local parks, and more. The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of local youth. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .