Elks Lodge spreads joy over Christmas
Members of Hot Springs Elks Lodge No. 380 spent the morning of Christmas Eve delivering toys and Christmas baskets full of food to those in need.
Jackie Covey, the head of the project, said she suggested the idea back in 2009 and had support, and they have been doing it ever since. This year, she said they’re delivering to 104 families. Families create a wish list that members work to help fill in order to have the families have a happy Christmas.
“I think It’s one of the best things that the Elks do because we actually touch people of the community,” she said. “We give donations to other stuff and, you know, other causes, but this is one thing that we actually
that we actually touch the families of the community, so I think it’s really important for the Elks to do.”
Kacky Carey, public relations chairman with the Lodge, said most of the families they give to are recommended by school counselors from the area, who give them names of families in need with the family’s permission. She said the Elks purchase everything with money donated by members as well as grants from their national organization. She estimates the project has been around three months in the making, and between 100 and 150 volunteers have helped make the project happen.
Leading Knight Herb Carey said he chose to spend his Christmas Eve helping out because he can’t think of anything more fun to do.
“You know, we’re helping the community, you know, as much as we can do, we’ll do it,” he said.