The Impact of a Donation

Leading up to the 2023 Elks National Convention in Minneapolis, the Elks National Foundation put out a call to action: Bring socks and children’s books. Beginning in 2019, the Spotlight on Service supply drive has become a staple of the National Convention, with 388 Lodges participating last year. When Lodges donate new socks and children’s books, which are given to veterans experiencing homelessness and programs that promote youth literacy, the opportunity to do good is only just beginning; participating Lodges are also entered into a raffle to win a bonus grant worth $2,000 through the Community Investments Program.

Ohio River Valley, Ohio, Lodge No. 231 was one of the winners of that raffle and took home a bonus grant. The Lodge used $8,000 in CIP grants to address food insecurity in local elementary and middle schools. The first step in their twopronged plan was Blessings in a Backpack, a weekend food program that provided students with enough food to feed their families over the weekend. The Lodge prepared the backpacks with meals and other items, which are discreetly placed in students’ lockers to take home on Fridays.

“Since over 65 percent of the students are eligible for [the program], there is little or no stigma attached to the recipients,” says Grants Coordinator Mary Carolyn Nichelson.

The second phase of the plan was an after-school cooking program. Specifically designed to serve students from families living below the poverty line, the program taught more than 60 participants per week how to prepare simple meals that promote a well-balanced diet. “After meeting with members of the faculty, our Lodge members were stunned by the students' obvious need for healthy food and improved eating habits,” says Nichelson. “Children need a nutritious diet to succeed in school.”

At the 2023 Elks National Convention, the Elks National Foundation put out a call to action, and the Elks responded. For the bonus grant winners, the call to action did not end at the Convention—it had only just begun.

I will be going to 2024 Elks National Convention in Austin, if any member would like to donate new socks and new or gently used children’s books for the Spotlight on Service supply drive, I will personally deliver them to the ENF booth. The donation is small, but the potential impact is mighty—and our Lodge may be the lucky winner of a bonus CIP grant to further strengthen the Quincy community.

Fraternally,
Sean R. McArdle, PDDGER / PER/ HLM
Quincy Lodge ENF - Chairman
Quincy Exalted Ruler

WE HAVE ALL THE SPORTS

Come to the Lodge and watch your Boston teams / players win in the playoffs! Take in some Baseball games or a round or two of golf while having a few cold ones and spending time with friends.