Mission Viejo, CA – Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) and The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (“BPOE”) dedicates November as National Veterans Remembrance Month and pledges: “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them”. In over 250 VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, State Veteran’s Homes and United Service Organizations (“USOs”), there is an Elks committee at work.
Thousands of Elks and their spouses give generously of their time, energy and resources so that the lives of our ill and aging veterans will be enhanced. Thousands of hours and like number of dollars are devoted to wholesome programs which are designed to help those in need, as we continue “Serving Our Nations Veterans”.
The Elks have set up programs, events and supplies that the local Lodge members can utilize to help our veterans in hospitals, care facilities or those living at home, such as:
Adopt-a-Veteran: This is a simple and effective program in which every Lodge can participate. It is an activity that spells out the measure of Elkdom’s patriotism and provides comfort, good cheer and understanding to the nation’s veterans who have fallen ill or are institutionalized.
Veterans comfort care kits: Elks provide amenities and necessities for veterans in hospitals, care homes, for adopted veterans and for the all too many homeless veterans.
In 2003, the Elks announced a program of mobilizing an Army of Hope to assist the families of Military Reservists and the National Guard who have been called to active duty during this time of crisis. This program has many facets and literally any activity that supports our troops and their families fall under it.
Playing Cards for Veterans is another program that goes hand in hand with our Veterans programs. Playing cards gives a hospitalized veteran something else to do rather than just passively sit and watch television. They can be distributed as part of any Elks Veterans activities.
The foregoing comments describe just a few of the many programs and activities that Elks have available to assist our Veterans and Families. If you would like to participate in these programs, contact your local Elks Lodge for information.
Hal Mattson, Lodge Publicity
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444
(949) 830-3557
