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Elks National Veterans Service Commission
January Newsletter
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I hope your 2017 is off to a great start! We’re busy planning for next year, but it’s also a good time to reflect on our accomplishments.
2015-16 was another exciting and successful year, thanks to volunteers like you! Here are a few highlights:
- Freedom Grants were more popular than ever, with 444 Lodges applying for 180 grants.
- Elks VAVS volunteers directly served 278,262 veterans in VA and other facilities.
- The Veterans Leather Program distributed 2,843 pairs of wheelchair gloves and nearly 27,000 square feet of leather to make craft kits for recovering veterans.
- Our Welcome Home program had a stellar first year, helping 373 veterans prevent or exit homelessness.
You can view the entire 2015-16 ENVSC Annual Report report here!
A copy was mailed to each Lodge. You may request more copies by emailing Vets@elks.org.
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Elks Scholars' Turn to Serve
Every spring, ENF and ENVSC staff take a group of Elks Scholarship recipients to the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center during the MVS Leadership weekend.
We kick off the visit with a few rounds of military trivia with the veterans, and distribute some snacks and gift bags. After that, Scholars head upstairs to visit with patients who are unable to leave their rooms.
Before all that, the VAVS Voluntary Service Chief Pat Gleason gives an introduction to the VA, and talks about the importance of serving veterans. Every year I'm glad the Scholars have a chance to hear him explain why he values his work.
With that in mind, please tell us why you volunteer to serve veterans! Email Vets@elks.org with your answer.
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Christmas in January?
The holidays are over but we couldn’t resist one last update. Elks from West Central New York District partnered to support the Canandaigua Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Christmas.
Each Lodge pitched in, and altogether Elks gave over $10,230 worth of needed items to the residents! More than thirty different members took part in the distribution, and Elks stopped to talk with each of the recipients.
November and December are months when many people go out of their way to support veterans. Don’t forget to continue that support through the spring and summer.
Contact your holiday volunteers soon, and invite them to help out with your next event. R
ally the spirit of volunteerism all year long!
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Stay Informed
The Gary Sinise Foundation, started by the actor in 2011, is dedicated to “honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.” They do so by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities. Recently, Sinise met some Elks members when they both supported and attended the Pearl Harbor 75th Commemoration. Check out the photo below!
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Follow us on social media!
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Questions? Contact us at 773-755-4736 or Vets@elks.org.
You are receiving this email because you are listed as an ENVSC Volunteer, or are a State Newsletter Editor. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link below.
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