DECEMBER CHRISTMAS EVENT CAPS OFF ELK’S LODGE YEAR OF GIVING
By Andy Costello
THE ELK”S SEASON OF GIVING — JANUARY TO DECEMBER, but December is always extra busy as Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 hosts a super Christmas party for the developmentally challenged men, women, and children of the Saddleback Valley.
Friends meet and exchange Christmas greetings
The Elks Lodge was once again full of the holiday spirit as the members played host to 175 special guests. They ranged in age from sixteen to sixty-six. Some came from group homes and some still living with family were dropped off by parents who expressed their appreciation to the Elks for this fabulous party. The special guests could hardly wait as they approached the door of the Lodge. “Will my friend be here?” “What time is Santa coming?” “Will I get presents again?” They entered the Lodge in groups – some walked, some used walkers and many came in wheelchairs with the help of their caregivers.
After a lunch of chicken fingers, chips, lemonade, and cookies were served, D.J. entertainer & Elk member Roy Southerland kept the music flowing much to the delight of the merrymakers who sang and danced all afternoon, some with old friends and some with the Elk volunteers. The Laguna Woods “Clown Alley” clowns were again on hand in full regalia passing out balloon hats and bringing smiles to the faces of the party-goers.
And then came the moment. A big red fire truck courtesy of Orange County Fire Services Association arrived with sirens blaring, and riding atop the truck, and waving to all as the truck pulled up to the Elks Lodge, was none other than Santa Claus Ed Mackay & Mrs. Claus Elk Pam Mackay. The fire truck “Big John” was driven by retired Laguna Beach Fire Captain Harvey Boelts, who is also an Elks member of the local Lodge.
Clowns from Laguna Woods “Clown Alley” entertain Santa
Santa and Mrs. Claus entered the Lodge to cheers and worked their way through the crowded dance floor with many hugs and warm greetings for all before retreating to a special room to make ready for the individual visits. Each guest enjoyed his or her own personal time with Santa and received a bag full of gifts and a photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sixty-five Elks member volunteers saw to every need of the special guests. The event was a combined effort of many dedicated members working together to make the day so successful. As in the past, the Elks Bingo Charity committee sponsored the party.
Mrs. Claus listens and is surprised at this special guest’s wish list
At day’s end, a very tired Santa said, “We just love seeing so many smiles and how much happiness the party brings to these wonderful people.” A recently initiated Elk witnessing the event for the first time said she was amazed at how much satisfaction she got in helping the very appreciative guests. Lodge President Mike Klinger said, “I wouldn’t miss being here. Some of these same special guests have been attending this party for 25 years and look forward to returning each year. Our Elk’s members do whatever it takes to give them a fun day at the Lodge. We will see many of these same people at our annual Sock Hop next Summer.” Admission for either event is by invitation only and information is available by calling the Elks Lodge 949 830-3557.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) has a long-standing support structure for the developmentally challenged and has a 150-year history of giving. “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
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Andy Costello
Grand Lodge Area 7
Membership & Marketing Committeeman
