Often, we forget the "hidden volunteers" and services who quietly go about helping veterans of our armed forces in our area, since they do so quietly and generally "below the radar". But a recent report by the Veterans Committee of the East District Elks shows some of the good being done by Southampton Elks and NY State East District lodges.
Upon entering the lodge, one often can finds large stocks of items in boxes, bags, etc., in our foyer all containing items donated by our members. These include gently used clothing and hangers, books, VCRs and tapes and DVDs, computers and peripherals, leisure items (board games, playing cards,) toiletries and soap, etc., and generally items needed or solicited by the Veterans Services agencies These are then delivered to the Northport Veterans' Center, which then distributes them to veterans in need, or places them in their VA Thrift Store.
Our Lodge's Tiler, Bobby Shea is the chairman of Southampton Elk's Veterans Committee, and those who know him can attest to the fact that he is very devoted to his voluntary position. He transports the items collected to Northport on a regular basis, and contributes much time to the veterans and events serving them. Bob has been Elk of the Month, and deserves the thanks of all of our members for the fantastic job he does. The same goes for all Veterans Committee chairpersons of the East District - they are doing a great job.
For its part, Southampton Elks lodge has donated three transportation vans to Disabled American Transportation services, for use in transporting veterans of the East End of Long Island to and from the Northport Veterans' Hospital and medical appointments. Several of our members also serve as volunteer drivers for this service.
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