Newark Elks #391 Never Forgets Our Veterans

Helping veterans is a big part of Newark Lodge 391.  Kathy Wise, lodge ENF chairman, procured an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and with the money the lodge was able to put together 12 Welcome Home Baskets for veterans transitioning to housing.

From Left: Tim Binckly, Licking County Housing; Becky Underhill, Lodge Chaplain and Veteran Committee member; Kathy Wise, Lodge ENF Chairman; and Ryan Shock, Licking Counting Housing.

Each basket contains a laundry basket and bucket, pillow, pillow case and blanket; towels and washcloth, shower liner, curtain and rings, soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste; pots and pans and cooking utensils,  dishes, glasses and silverware, potholders, dishtowels, dish soap, cleaning supplies for floors and laundry, and paper products and trash bags all shrink wrapped to keep everything together and clean.

These veterans are identified by the Licking County Coalition for Housing, the SSVF (Special Services for Veterans and Families) and the Welcome Home Baskets are given to them to distribute.