Listening to this classic year after year reminds us of those who sacrificed so much during World War II and beyond, as well as those who continue to serve this country.
However, Elks don’t just remember our service members—they take action.
Elks use Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grants, funded by the Elks National Foundation, to ensure that veterans and active-duty service members are given the holiday seasons they deserve.
Moreno Valley, Calif., Lodge No. 2697 hosted a holiday event to support California National Guard members and their families. Elks partnered with the California National Guard’s Soldier and Family Readiness program to plan and pull off the celebration. Lodge members arranged a visit from Santa Claus; set up games for the children; and purchased diapers, baby food, groceries and gas cards to distribute.
Along with food and daily necessities, Elks used their unique skills to amplify the project. One Lodge member, a professional photographer, took photos of the holiday festivities to share online so deployed soldiers could see their families. Members even worked with their community to donate free toys for younger children attending the event!
“Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve their quality of life,” says Project Coordinator Dolores Jempson. “These military families are part of this community. We want to show them how serious the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks are about never forgetting our veterans and their families. This project accomplishes that.”
The Moreno Valley Lodge’s project is just one example of the many ways in which Elks provided the holiday spirit that Crosby sang about in 1942. In addition to providing winter clothes and hygiene items to a local VA clinic, Willimantic, Conn., Lodge No. 1311 also used Freedom Grant funds to “adopt” a military family for the holidays. Lodge members received the family’s Christmas wish list, which consisted of clothing, shoes, and items for a holiday meal. Using a Freedom Grant, the Elks purchased and delivered the items, along with some holiday cheer, to the family.
“By adopting this family, it alleviated the financial burden that would have been put on them during the holiday season and allowed them to celebrate without any stress,” says Grants Coordinator AnnMarie White. “This donation provided support during the holidays, fostering a sense of community and care for a military family.”
When Bing Crosby released “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” the song reminded service members of the comforts of their own homes during the holidays. The Moreno Valley and Willimantic Lodge’s Freedom Grant projects are bringing these comforts to active-duty members. Thanks to the Elks National Veterans Service Commission and the Elks National Foundation, veterans and active-duty service members will never be forgotten.
The Elks National Foundation ensures our veterans are never forgotten. In 2024-25, the ENF granted $5.7 million to help the Elks National Veterans Service Commission meet the needs of veterans, including more than $3 million to help end veteran homelessness. For more information about the ENVSC, visit elks.org/vets.