Athens Elks #973 Donates Thousands to the Community

The Athens Elks #973 donated $2,000 for five months of free lunches for Veterans. The donation went to the Ornery Vet Collective, which is a Veteran’s sobriety support group. The mission is to support Veterans who are in recovery and their sobriety. They meet weekly and provide a free lunch.

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated items in the amount of $300 to support the 60th anniversary of Kimes Nursing and Rehab Center. Kimes is hosting a community event to commemorate 60 years in the community, and they are hosting a celebration with raffles, kid’s games, vendor booths, and highlights from 60 years. The items included 10 cases of water and a Summer Fun Barbecue Pack that included a cooler, charcoal, grill light, seasonings, grilling tools, a grill mat, burger press, basting and cleaning brushes, along with a meat probe. (see pictures L to R Elks members Brian Mecum, Adam Lewis, Rich Russell, Jim Balding and George McCarthy.  Second picture is of the gift basket)

The 18th Annual Peanut Butter & Jelly Project received $1,000 in support from the Athens Elks Lodge #973. This event is hosted by Athens County Children Services and their efforts to address food insecurity in the community. They plan to serve over 4,500 children this summer through the program. (see picture L to R Elks Members Jim Balding, Adam Lewis, Rich Russell, Brian Mecum and George McCarthy)

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $500 to the 7th Annual Athens County Back to School Bash. This event provides free basic school supplies, backpacks, shoes, free haircuts and free immunizations.

The Athens Elks Lodge #973 purchased $1,300 dollars worth of flags for the Village of Jacksonville for its annual flag display along State Route 13 inside the corporation limits.