Fresh Friends
Venice Nokomis, Fla., Lodge No. 1845 used its Gratitude Grant to partner with the All Faiths Food Bank on the Mobile Cupboard project. More than 23 Elks lent a hand to the project, which focuses on providing nutritious food to families in need.

Twice a month, Elks and other volunteers gather at the Nokomis Community Center to unload a truck filled with food and pack it into smaller bags for families. The Cupboard then distributes these to families as needed. With the help of the Gratitude Grant, Elks were able to add fresh produce, milk, cheese and other perishables to the bags.

“We were proud to be able to assist families in need in our community,” says Project Manager Wayne E. East. “It’s rewarding for our Elks to be involved in community service. We believe our membership is growing because of this.”

The Elks National Foundation helps Lodges serve their communities by offering $2,000 Gratitude Grants. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the National President’s per-member goal for giving to the Foundation. To find out more about Gratitude Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community.


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