Elks National Foundation Blog

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 ...

De Soto, Mo., Lodge No. 689   What’s Santa’s favorite breakfast cereal? Frosted Flakes! Using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , Elks from De Soto, Mo., Lodge No. 689 hosted Christmas breakfast for community members with special needs. Even though Frosted Flakes wasn’t on the menu, Santa still came to celebrate, play games, and give gifts to each guest. The breakfast allowed the Lodge to connect with those in need in the community and share the gift of friendship. “We were able to increase awareness about the good things the Lodge does for the community throughout the year thanks to the Promise Grant,” says ENF Grant Project Manager Mike Thurmond. 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 .

Brooksville, Fla., Lodge No. 2582 The gifts are unwrapped, the fruit cake is eaten, and the eggnog is gone, but Christmas magic is still alive and well at Brooksville, Fla., Lodge No. 2582. The Lodge used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to hold a Christmas party for local kids in need. A record 320 children attended, enjoying a feast of pizza, soft drinks, snow cones and homemade cookies. During the party, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman greeted the guests. The event culminated with a visit from Santa Claus, who handed each child his or her very own Christmas gift. 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 .

Grapevine, Tex., Lodge No. 2483 Grapevine, Tex., Lodge No. 2483 used its Promise Grant to hold a Christmas party with the police department. Word spread through the grapevine and more than 400 local families attended! Elks and police also donated toys, stuffed animals and bicycles to children in need. Above, Lodge Secretary Janet Rose poses with her grandchildren in front of the food and toys Lodge members collected. 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 youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Cartersville, Ga., Lodge No. 1969 Cartersville, Ga., Lodge No. 1969 partnered with DCFS to reach out to children in need at Christmas. The Lodge used its Community Investments Program Promise Grant to throw a party complete with a holiday meal, decorations, gifts and winter clothing for each child. Of course, the highlight of the party was a visit with Santa! The ENF awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .