Athens Elks #973 Supports Veterans & Local Community

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated over $2,500 worth of clothing, blankets, gloves, hats, and hygiene supplies to the Athens County Stand Down event held on October 4, 2024. The lodge had 10 volunteers do the shopping and 25 volunteers helped with packing the bags for the event.

During the event, there were 6 lodge members who volunteered to walk the Veterans around to learn about the social services available, select their coats, boots and get their bag. The Stand Down Event is held to provide resources for veterans and others who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. $2,000 was through the support of Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant.

The lodge also donated $300 to Chillicothe Elks Lodge #52 for their Veteran’s Christmas Dinner & Party from the Ross County VA facility. They expect 120 veterans to attend the dinner and they will also receive a Christmas treat bag.

Another $500 from the lodge was donated to the Friends of Athens County CASA. The Athens. County Court Appointed Special Advocates Guardian Ad Litem program represents the best interests of children involved in juvenile court because of abuse and neglect. This contribution will help recruit and train more community volunteers to serve as CASA’s.