Elks National Foundation Blog

Manitowoc, Wis., Lodge No. 687 Elks shopped 'til they dropped for eight families living in Manitowoc, Wisconsin! Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , Manitowoc, Wis., Lodge No. 687 partnered with the Salvation Army to purchase and distribute supplies to local families in need. Elks provided clothes, toys, tools, kitchen utensils and toiletries for 13 adults and 26 children. “We served families that otherwise would not have had these items,” says Community Investments Program Project Manager Anne Brogan. “It’s our third year of partnering with the Salvation Army and—thanks to the Gratitude Grant—we have increased our giving from three to eight families.” Manitowoc was able to apply for the Gratitude Grant after meeting the National President’s per-member-giving goal in 2013-14. Did your Lodge meet the per-capita goal? Then you are eligible to apply for a CIP Gratitude Grant! Don’t miss the opportunity to serve your community with this $2,000 grant. Grati...

Coshocton, Ohio, Lodge No. 376   For the Elks in Coshocton, Ohio, family safety is a number one priority. Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Coshocton, Ohio, Lodge No. 376 partnered with the local fire department to provide smoke detectors and home safety tips for families without smoke detectors in their homes. “Coshocton has many families in need,” says Community Investments Program Project Manager Marilyn Griffis. “We were able to give supplies and support to community members whose homes lacked smoke detectors.” The Beacon Grant project raised the Lodge’s profile in the community, motivating some of the local firefighters to join the Lodge. “The fire department was overjoyed to help with this event,” says Griffis. “The community got to see how the Elks are interested in helping those in need.” Don’t miss the opportunity to serve your community with $2,000! Beacon Grants, available to every Lodge, help Lodges like Coshocton hold ongoing, Elks-led chari...

Cedar City, Utah, Lodge No. 1556   Youth in Cedar City, Utah can see clearly now thanks to the Elks. Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Cedar City, Utah, Lodge No. 1556 partnered with Southern Utah Vision, local schools, and a local eye doctor to start Code Glasses, providing eye care for youth in need. After Elks performed preliminary eye exams at the Lodge, they took families to the local eye doctor for a follow-up exam and ensured every child in need of glasses received a pair. “Thank you, Elks Lodge. Now I can see the world much brighter,” reads a note from Zandihr, who benefitted from Code Glasses. Thanks to the Beacon Grant, the Cedar City Elks provided support and a healthy start for youth in need. The project also reenergized Lodge members, motivating them to get involved with the Lodge’s community service. “This project was a success,” says Community Investments Program Project Manager JoAnn Aldridge. “Even members that aren’t involved in the L...

Viera, Fla., Lodge No. 2817   While elves in Santa’s workshop build toys, Santa’s elves from Viera, Fla., Lodge No. 2817 spread Christmas spirit to community members in need. Using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , the Viera Elks partnered with Grandparents Raising Grandchildren to hold a Christmas party for 52 children and their grandparents. The party—full of food, face painting, crafts and fellowship—was fun for all ages. The children had the chance to meet the Elks’ special guest—Santa Claus! After telling Santa their Christmas lists, each child received a gift. Their grandparents’ Christmas wishes came true too—they received meals to take home, family time, and new friends in the Elks. “My granddaughters and I would like to thank you for everything,” says a grandmother who benefitted from the Promise Grant. “If we didn’t receive help from the Elks, my granddaughters wouldn’t have had any gifts this Christmas.” The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 ...

S a ugu s -Ever ett, Mass., Lodge No. 642 Fire up the grill—it’s time for a barbeque! Elks from Saugus-Everett, Mass., Lodge No. 642 know that some community members need help feeding their families. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Elks held a barbeque for families living in a local shelter, providing them with food and fellowship. After a dinner on the grill, the Elks played hula hoop, limbo and musical chairs with their guests, and put their best foot forward on the dance floor during the “Cha-Cha Slide.” To ensure that guests had enough to eat for the next week, each child left with a backpack filled with food and other treats. “We are so thankful for the beautiful barbeque you threw for us,” expresses a shelter resident. “You make life easier for those in need.” The Elks National Foundation helps Lodges serve their communities by offering $2,000 Gratitude Grants. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants aft...

Venice/Nokomis, Fla., Lodge No. 1854 Thanks to Venice/Nokomis, Fla., Lodge No. 1854, local families in need are well fed. The Lodge partnered with All Faiths Food Bank Mobile Cupboard program and used its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to donate food and volunteer time for three months this year. More than 100 families received food twice a month from Elks volunteers like Wayne East, Merle Tarr and Sven Nelson, pictured above. The Elks National Foundation helps Lodges serve their communities by offering $2,000 Gratitude Grants. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the National President’s per-capita goal for Foundation giving. To find out more about Gratitude Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .