Last December marked the Lodge’s third annual Christmas Party for foster children with special needs and their families. For years, the Lodge has worked with Horry County Special Needs Foster Care, providing this organization with items such as car seats on an as-needed basis. When the Elks were asked if they would consider holding a party for the children, project manager Lottie Menor set to work to secure funding. She applied for an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant, and the Lodge’s annual Christmas party was born!

At the party, elves transformed the Lodge into a winter wonderland. These Lodge volunteers served the kids a holiday feast fit for Santa himself. After dinner, guests got their faces painted and sang Christmas carols while waiting for Santa.

“Seeing the kids watch Santa come through the door is heartwarming,” says Menor. “They’re so excited to meet him.”

Santa listened to each child’s Christmas wishes, and gave them a goody bag complete with pencils, crayons, candy and other small gifts. Last December, Promise Grants had increased from $500 to $1,000, so the Lodge was able to help Santa by providing Walmart gift cards to each child as well.

Throughout the party, the children and their foster parents reconnected with each other, made new friends, and learned more about what the Elks do in Myrtle Beach.

The 100 children in attendance weren’t the only ones to enjoy this gathering, though. Twenty-five Lodge members volunteered, including four new members who enjoyed getting to know other Elks.

“The party enabled Lodge members to work together and see the difference we can make by sharing our fortunes with others,” says Menor.

Plans for this year’s Christmas Party are already under way. With Promise Grants now worth $2,000, Santa’s bag will be even more full this Christmas season.

The ENF awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community.