Charles City Elks Lodge kicks off ‘Help for Vets in Need’

To The Press

For the 11th year in a row, Charles City Elks Lodge No. 418 plans to use an Elks National Foundation grant to buy winter coats, basic clothing or shoes for needy veterans and their families.

The project is called “Help for Vets in Need,” and the kickoff was Nov. 10 at the Charles City Elks Veterans Soup Supper.

Beacon Grants, a component of the Community Investments Program, offers lodges an opportunity to develop new, ongoing, charitable Elks-driven community projects – a “Beacon of Hope” in local communities. Funding comes from the Elks National Foundation.

“These grants offer lodges a chance to expand their charitable activities, and to make a difference in the community through an ongoing project,” said Elks National Foundation Director Jim O’Kelley. “That’s the key. We want to fund ongoing projects, not one-time activities. We want the community to identify your lodge with your project and know that the Elks are a force for positive change.”

The program hopes to serve veterans from Floyd, Mitchell, Chickasaw and Cerro Gordo counties. Further information is available from the county Veterans Affairs officers, the Mason City VA Outpatient Clinic, or at the Charles City Elks Lodge.

Elk members have contacted local stores to solicit their participation in the program. Several businesses have agreed to participate with veterans’ discounts which help stretch the grant funds. Local Elks will use the Beacon Grant to take veterans shopping for winter coats, shoes or other basic clothing for their families. Lodge members will collect the receipts for the final grant report.

Veterans who wish to apply may pick up a form at the Charles City Elks Lodge at 2111 Clark Street; the Veterans Affairs offices in Floyd, Mitchell, Chickasaw and Cerro Gordo counties; or the VA Outpatient Clinic in Mason City.