Back in September, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A. made a commitment to the Vietnam Veterans Alliance to collaborate in a fundraising program named in memory of Michael F. Manning, past Director of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission.

The program is now underway and will benefit all veterans, all across America.

Prior to the program being launched in a State, a sample of what will be furnished to individual Lodges will be sent to the Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler and/or State President.

Each Lodge will receive 32 canisters, along with a set of instructions and forms for documenting the collection of funds. We are asking each Lodge to find a few dedicated Elks to work this program, which will last only until July 31 of 2009. We suggest that 15 canisters be placed in public locations; such as convenience stores, barbershops, local businesses, or any other locations deemed appropriate. These should be replaced with an empty canister at one-month intervals. This gives you a rotating replacement for all of the 15 locations. The 31st and 32nd canisters could be placed on each Lodge’s bar. Another suggestion is a canister drive on a street corner, in a Shopping Mall or in a Supermarket.

One of the important things we want to stress is the fact that the funds collected are from the general public and should not interfere with any of a Lodge’s existing funds or programs.

This program will take dedication and a sincere effort only until July 31 of 2009. We are asking all Lodges to participate, not only in the name of a Great Elk, but in a renewed dedication to assist our nation’s heroes as specified in our motto.