Our Lodge has provided backpacks and school supplies for many years now to various schools and community organizations in Indian River County. This year was no exception.
We have a very special relationship with Vero Beach Elementary School through our Elks Love Kids of Character Program which began in 2014 with a $10,000 grant from the Elks National Foundation. The school district is reorganizing, and Vero Beach Elementary added many additional students. With many families at or below the poverty level, our help was needed now more than ever to meet this increased demand.
We also provided backpacks and school supplies to the Hibiscus Children's Center, Gifford Youth Achievement Center, and Dodgertown Elementary School.
To increase awareness of this program among the membership, the Lodge held a Backpack Party in mid-July that encouraged our members to attend with their donation. Pictured here is Exalted Ruler Tom Rinehart with the haul from the party.
Our drive closed out on August 1, 2026 with 155 backpacks and countless school supplies distributed to disadvantaged children. Needless to say, the organizations we helped were very appreciative.
We are proud to live up to our motto...
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