Giving Thanks Through Service
The holiday season is upon us, and service is just one reason for the season! Last month, we celebrated Thanksgiving, and the November Service Scorecard theme, Thankfulness, captured the spirit of the holiday. In case you missed it, the Service Scorecard mixes the Elks’ spirit of volunteerism, grit, and fun, all for the chance to win prizes—like a $100 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice. In November, our participants expressed gratitude for their friends, families and communities through meaningful service projects.
In the heartland, Lucy and Grace Hutton, sisters from Illinois, completed the scorecard as a team. Lucy cooked dinner for their family, and Grace collected candy to donate to active service members. They also shared the scorecard with friends and hope to see them take part in the future!
On the East Coast, Annabelle Karo showed inspiring determination and dedication to her community by delivering 200 handmade Thanksgiving cards to a local nursing home. She also hand delivered a thank-you card to an Elks member and veteran at Clifton Park, N.Y., Lodge No. 2466.
McKeon Gray served his Connecticut community by attending a Veteran’s Day ceremony and personally thanking the veterans in attendance. McKeon and his sisters also donated food to their local food pantry and wrote thank-you cards to first responders.
In Tennessee, the November Service Scorecard raffle winner, Jordan Peters, put together gift boxes for a local charity, wrote a thank you to his teachers, and delivered groceries to his elderly neighbors.
With his $100 donation, Jordan chose to support the YMCA of Bristol’s scholarship program for youth swim lessons. Jordan sends a huge thank you to all the Elks that made his donation possible, and he says what we all know to be true: “Elks are the best!”
Our participants continue to show how the #HoopShootServes. This holiday season, we are ho-ho-hoping to see more Hoop Shooters, Elks, and others take their shot and serve their communities. From reconnecting virtually with distant family members and friends to donating warm clothes to a local shelter, there are many ways to serve this month. So, step up to the line and start your Service Scorecard today!
December’s theme is Togetherness.