Elks visit Patriots and Paws

June 29, 2020, the Orange Coast Veterans District Meeting was held at Patriots and Paws in Anaheim, led by Orange Coast District Veterans Chairman, Dave Perry. Present were the Chairmen of all eight Orange Coast Elks Lodges; Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley-Thom Spratt; Santa Ana-Lisa Darmousseh; Garden Grove-Mike Wight; Huntington Beach-Ron Sommesse; Buena Park-Jack Rye; Orange-Stephanie Fitzpatrick; Fullerton-Susie Meyers & John Payne and Newport Harbor-Angela Anderson. Also representing Lodge #2444 were Sheryn Howlett-Co-Chair Veterans Committee, Jenny Buford-Lodge Chaplain, Dave Safley-Photographer, and Greg Raths-Member, past Mayor of Mission Viejo and past five-year Board Member of Patriots and Paws.

The group was introduced to Penny Lambright who manages the facility, after which they took a self-tour of the warehouse where furniture and household items are stored. No items to be donated are too big or too small. Veterans in need come to the warehouse and can get whatever they need at absolutely no cost to them. They only must show proof of service. The organization first started out in a storage bin in Fountain Valley, moving to a storefront in Orange until they reached the warehouse where they reside today. Penny’s hope is to one day have a shelter. As of this date, they have helped 7300 families. Patriots and Paws is located at 1825 E. Via Burton in Anaheim, phone 714-323-7229. Access their website for hours of operation and monetary donations; checks can also be mailed to Patriots and Paws at the address mentioned above.

Facility Manager Lambright said, “We would love to have as many monthly donors as possible, and donating couldn’t be easier. You must have some household goods, furniture, maybe even pillows in good condition that you are not using and want to get rid of but didn’t know who to call. It’s all quite simple for you and pickup is free.” Greg Raths told the visiting group about a veteran who had just finished military service and needed furniture and household goods. He was going to find a secondhand store as his funds were limited. Greg took him to Patriots and Paws who helped him begin his new venture in life with one less burden on his mind. Another feature at the facility is a wall that has been erected on their grounds aptly named “The Burden Wall” and many veterans who visit write on the wall giving them a feeling of calmness afterward. Patriots and Paws is an organization in dire need of help as their goal is and always will be to help those who fought for our freedoms.

The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 50 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 152-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share”. For information regarding Elks programs or Elks membership, call 949 830-3557.

Sheryn Howlett Co-chair Veterans Committee

Photos by Dave Safley

Orange Coast District Veterans Chairman Dave Perry, Patriots And Paws Facility Manager Penny Lambright and Greg Raths-Lodge Member and past Mayor of Mission Viejo