As the days are quickly counting down to Christmas Day, the holiday spirit begins to swell throughout Elk Lodges all over the nation! Though Christmas can be a difficult and challenging time for some veterans and their families, Elks are stepping up. Whether it’s Christmas caroling, cookie decorating or gift giving, Elks are going above and beyond to show veterans and their families their appreciation this holiday season.
For many veterans residing in veterans homes, it can be difficult to purchase daily necessities that aren’t already accessible within the veterans home. Fortunately, there are Elks who are glad to make sure these veterans have what they need to feel comfortable.
Elks from Middlesex, N.J. Lodge No. 1488 banded together to create holiday goodie bags for the residents of Menlo Park Veterans Home in Menlo Park, N.J. These goodie bags are filled to the brim with daily essentials like blankets, gloves and even a little bit of holiday candy which can be difficult for the residents of the veterans home to purchase themselves. Middlesex Lodge members also took it upon themselves to treat these veterans to dinner and a movie for companionship and entertainment during this giving season!
Veterans who exit homelessness already face adversity when working to better their lives, but this adversity can be amplified with the loneliness that the holiday season can bring. Thankfully Elks are committed to showing up for these veterans and share their gratitude. Elks from Lodi, Calif. Lodge No. 1900 really got creative with the holiday spirit by inviting veterans at Compassion Residio Services (CRS) to a day of cookie decorating, Christmas caroling and gift giving! Lodi members have been working with veterans of CRS for the past few years and the veterans always look forward to the social outings and activities provided by the Elks.
Project Manager, Jennifer Lozo, shared that “Veterans at CRS believe in the Elks commitment to them. Month after month, they know that we will be arranging a joyful activity with only their pleasure in mind. Through these consistent interactions we have become, to many of them, not just friendly people, but friends.”
Left: Volunteers from Middlesex, N.J. Lodge No. 1488 bringing goodie bags to residents of Menlo Park Veterans Home. Center: Members of Moreno Valley, Calif. Lodge No. 2697 dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus taking photos with veteran families. Right: A volunteer from Summerville, S.C. Lodge No. 2719 preparing gifts for residents of Veteran’s Victory House.
Preparing to start a family already has its challenges, but starting a family with a deployed partner can bring even more challenges. But, even in the face of life’s challenges, Elks are always there to step up for veteran families. Elks from Moreno Valley, Calif. Lodge No. 2697 treated family members of deployed veterans from March Air Reserve Base’s Soldier and Family Readiness program to a day of holiday cheer Lodge members call “Operation Santa’s Elks”. At this event, veterans and their families are treated to a warm meal, Christmas presents and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Lodge members went the extra mile with this event by taking professional photos of families and provided a link for deployed soldiers to be able to see digital photos of their families enjoying themselves.
Unfortunately, the holidays can be a very lonely time for veterans residing at veteran’s clinics or homes as families are too busy to visit or the veteran doesn’t have family in the area. Thankfully, Elks are there to make the time for these veterans to provide comradery and friendship. Elks from Summerville, S.C. Lodge No. 2719, working alongside fellow Elk volunteers from Charleston, S.C. Lodge No. 242 and Walterboro, S.C. Lodge No.1988, provided a Christmas brunch to residents of Veteran’s Victory House in Walterboro, S.C. The event was a huge success with the veteran residents as they enjoyed a day filled with hors d’oeuvres and traditional holiday treats, music provided by the Navy Choir and a visit from Santa and his elves offering personalized gifts.
Project Manager, Richard Barner, stated that “The residents of the Veterans Victory House greatly enjoyed the party and appreciated the gifts they received. The director of the facility reported that numerous residents came up to thank her for working with the Elks to make the party possible.”
Now is a better time than ever to share what it really means to be an Elk this holiday season. So, if you and your Lodge members would like to bring holiday cheer to veterans in need within your community, sign up for ENVSC’s Freedom Grant program. To provide charity, fidelity, justice and brotherly love to a veteran and their family in need is a gift within itself that returns tenfold.
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