Des Moines, IA 98

GER Message

Be the Difference this holiday season

Season's greetings and happy holidays!

Remember to be kind and compassionate to one another as you attend social events at your Lodges. It must be a time when we can be the best of who we are. Think of ways to serve your community by donating food or presents to less fortunate children and families, or giving veterans a gift or holiday card. What about hosting a breakfast with Santa? Keep in mind, giving is always better than receiving because at the end of the day, it's truly about putting our hearts toward enjoying family, friends, and service to others.

The Elks Memorial Service is to be held on the first Sunday of December. The ceremony is an occasion to honor all Elks who have passed away. It's a time to cherish the memory of those who recently left us, as well as rekindle the thoughts of those who left us long ago and remember how each served our Order.

An integral part of the ceremony and assisting us in remembering those Members who have left us is our Eleven O'Clock Toast. The Toast symbolizes how we feel about our departed Elks. "To our absent Members." Does your Lodge do the Toast regularly?

Membership! Membership! Membership!
The current Lodge year has less than four months until it's over. Have you achieved the membership goals you set at the start of your year? The goal of every Lodge is simple: a plus-1 in membership. It's not too late to form a committee to contact delinquent Members and ask them to re-up. How about one or two last efforts to get those new applicants onto the membership rolls? Can you Be The Difference and show a membership gain this year?

In closing, Sue and I wish you and your family a very merry holiday season and a joyous new year, always keeping in mind that you can Be The Difference by promoting "Elks Care--Elks Share."