ELKS CAMPERS SHOW THE REAL SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
The “Run-a-ways” are a local camping group whose members are also members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. At the end of each year the group gets together for a holiday dinner and to exchange presents with one another. This year instead of exchanging gifts, the group decided to make a Christmas donation to assist the families of Veterans who are in need. The small but generous group of campers once again rallied to the call. The wagon master of the group, Pat Martino presented a check for $500 to each of two military families in need.
One check went to the wife of a wounded Marine who is hospitalized. They have a 5 year old boy and a 2 year old daughter. The other check went to the mother of 4 boys, the youngest just seven months old. She is a Sargent whose husband is serving in Iraq.
The “Run-a-ways” group is noted for it’s fund raising for charities. Each summer the club joins with other Elk’s camping clubs at rallies where they raise thousands of dollars for Handicapped Children and other charities.
Andy Costello
Elks Orange Coast District
Public Relations Chairman
