As part of an ENF (Elk’s National Fund) Community Investment Project On February 2, 2021, Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge set a goal to collect 20 Household Goods Kits to assist veterans transitioning into their new homes. These Kits consisted of 11 essential items that a veteran would need to purchase when moving into their new home and will be donated to Patriots and Paws.
Thanks to all the member’s generous donations they met and exceeded their goal!! The Lodge would like to extend great thanks to Andrea Pham, Debby Lamb, Lynette Holmes, Sheryn Howlett, Sandie McClure, Rick Moscoso for being part of the Admin team in inventory, member communication, liaison to Patriot and Paws, and shopping for the necessary items.
On Saturday, March 13,, 2021, Twenty-Two of our Mission Viejo Elks Members gathered to load and pack their vehicles full of the Veterans Household Good Items. Greg Morgan (Exalted Ruler), Kim Maestri (Esteemed Loyal Knight), Jenny Buford ( Lodge Chaplin), Dick and Lynette Holmes ( Lodge Asst. Chaplin and Lodge Tiler), Peter Diaz (Elk of the Year 2021), Jane Griffin, Howard Sargent, Kevin Lindley ( Trustee/ Elk of the Year 2020) Kathy Andrew (Sickness and Distress Chairman), Linda Holt ( Elks Lady’s Sergeant of Arms), Len Holt, Kelly and Mike Vandyke, Cookie ( Elks Ladys President) and Sven Akesson, Sandy and Jack Jacobs, Mike Shanton, John Martin, Linda Cimmarusti ( Elks Ladies Treasurer) and Sheryn Howlett (Assistant Veterans Committee Chairman).
They caravanned to Anaheim where Penny Lambright the founder of Patriots and Paws, greeted them with positivity and open arms. Patriots and Paws have helped over 8,000 veterans and their families and that number is growing every day. Even during the pandemic, Mission Viejo Elks work together to help those in need.
By Esteemed Loyal Knight/ ENF Chairman
Tenisha Campanile
Photo Credits: The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 51 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 8 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 153-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share”. For information regarding Elks programs or Elks membership, call 949 830-3557. More information on Patriots and Paws can be found here https://www.patriotsandpaws.org/
left to right – Sheryn Howlett, Sandy Jacobs and Cookie Akesson
Elks Convoy Team at Patriots and Paws
