Remembering the Deployed day is October 26th, a time to support military members and their families. Throughout the year, Lodges across the country are working diligently to make sure deployed service members know that Elks are thinking of them. Deployment can be a difficult and lonely time for veterans, but the process is made a little easier with the support of Elks. Whether it’s sending care packages with daily essentials or taking time to uplift family members of deployed veterans, Elks are always committed to supporting veterans and their families.
At right, Milwaukie-Portland Elks delivering toys and supplies to Army National Guard 141st BSB.
When service members are deployed overseas, unfortunately many spouses struggle to meet the needs of their growing families. Elks from Milwaukie-Portland, Ore. Lodge No. 142 recognized this immediate need within their community and decided to step up to the call for action to meet the needs of these families. With funding from ENVSC’s Freedom Grant program, members of Lodge No. 142 worked together to put together boxes of food and wrap Christmas presents for family members of deployed veterans.
At left, Veterans of Army National Guard 141st BSB assisted Milwaukie-Portland Elks by receiving and processing their donation.
Project Coordinators Emma Pletz and Mary Frances-Dietz stated that “Our program has helped so many military families at Christmas, many leaving in tears as they had no idea how they were going to get through the holidays and felt so blessed that we were there to support them.”
With this amazing project, members of Lodge No. 142 don’t only provide food and gifts to these families, but they also allow them to enjoy the holidays with their children without having to stress about putting food on the table or presents under the Christmas tree. When Elks take the time and effort to show that they care, veterans and their families are uplifted and forever impacted by the experience.
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