Berea Elks #1815 Give Hope for the Holidays to 50 Foster Kids

From left:  Jeff Coyle (Lodge Secretary), Danielle Mahany (Lodge Treasurer), John Masterson (Lodge Chaplain), Kristin Garner (Cuyahoga County), Richard Threadgill (PER), Hans Larsen (Esteemed Leading Knight), Dawn Larsen (member).

All the donations wrapped up in bags at the lodge before being transported to the county.

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 partnered with Cuyahoga County Department of Children’s Services this holiday season providing toys, clothes, and other gifts to 50 kids currently in foster care.  This is the second year the lodge has participated in the “Hope for the Holidays” program with the country who currently have more than 2,200 kids under their custody.

Members donated more than $5,700 worth of gifts with help from a $5,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant.  The expanded grant helped the lodge reach 20% more kids this year over last year’s effort.  While we wish we could reach all of them, the lodge and its members are proud to touch at least 50 kids this holiday season.