Here is how we help our veterans
VETERANS COMMITTEE REPORT
By Robert Kielsa PER
I'm happy to report Non Cash Donations total $66,839, our Cash Donations es-calated to $6,109, and our Welcome Home Kits have reached a new high this early in the year to $20,483. All this work brings our total Veterans Donations to $93,431!
Heads up: our Veterans Game Day is set for Saturday, October 24th 10 AM. We have four games set for your enjoyment with lots of food and a truck load of raffle items. For Vet-erans Game Day we look to our members to help with our raffle items. As in the past, members have decorated bas-kets and donated gift certificates for our event. As you complete your raffle items, please place them in the small conference room for safe keeping.
As we hit late Summer, our homeless veterans are in need of a number of things we can contribute that will help with their comfort and health. Canned food, like chili, soup, stew, tuna, chicken, spam, and fruit cups. Crackers, trail mix, beef jerky, indi-vidual bags of chips/crackers/snacks, protein bars, cookies and canned fruit are helpful. Mouthwash in smaller bottles, toothpaste and brushes, lip balm, sunscreen and hats are needed as well. Backpacks, small amount gift cards ($10, $15) to grocery stores and fast food are also very helpful. As far as clothing goes, we need new T-shirts (Med, Lg, XL), jeans ( W 33, 34, 36), long sleeve shirts and socks. Please place all NEW items, along with food, in the White barrel in the lounge. As always, a big thank you for your continued support for our veterans!
Well he’s done it again, what, who? That would be Jack Baillargeon! Oh he left his 60 hour a week job years ago, and started his 40 hour a week job with Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge # 2815. Jack has officially hung up his Elk antlers and will be spending his undivided time and attention with his wonderful partner and wife Gail Baillargeon!
As one of the Past Exalted Rulers Jack shepherds me through the challenges, surprises and joys of my year, I just want to take a moment and to thank him! Not for just the time he spent working with me, but also, what I suspect was thousands of hours and dollars he has contributed to his Elks lodge, our members, as well as state and national responsibilities he has carried throughout the years. I’ll miss your passion and unfathom-able knowledge you brought to all of us! Thank you
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
VETERAN'S MEMORIAL WALL DISPLAY PLAQUES
The Veterans Committee has established a Memorial to Honor our Veterans, First Responders, Fire and Police. Immediately outside our front door there are four enclosed cases that will hold 200 plaques where a veterans name, rank, years of service and military branch may be inscribed. This is a very visual way to honor our veteran and first responders, and is a fund raiser for our committee. Glass plaques will be sold for $75 for any member who wishes one for their service, for a friend or family members. We have one member who plans to obtain a plaque for his father, father-in-law and himself. Signup sheets are at the bar or can be obtained by emailing bobkielsa@gmail.com, lisahensley88@gmail.com or kayleenborah@gmail.com for application forms. An application is also included as an insert in the Bugle. All plaques will be placed on the wall in the order the application and payment are received.
Two new programs
Sponsored by Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge #2815
By Bob Kielsa
I’m excited to announce that our lodge has two more programs designed to support our military and veterans.
The first program is Recycle Cell Phones for our troops. Since 2004 this organization has recycled over 30 million devices, and have provided over 400 million free minutes by sending more than 5 million
calling cards to our service personnel overseas.
You can donate by dropping your used cell phones at the lodge or providing cash or a check (made out to Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge #2815) in an envelope marked for veterans committee in the Cell
Phone box in the lounge.
Our second program is through an organization called Intrepid Hospice. They are looking for volunteers willing to spend 30 to 45 minutes with those who have a short time left here on earth. One of the worst fears everyone experiences during this dying process is dying alone. You can make a difference.
CELEBRATE THE - Veterans - ALL GAVE SOME - SOME GAVE ALL
