SARATOGA SPRINGS — Over the past six weeks Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 Veterans Committee has been busy shopping and delivering winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, and other personal clothing items for 25 Veterans in our community under the Chairmanship of John Safford.
Due to COVID-19, the Lodge was not able to hold the “STAND DOWN” for the Veterans as originally planned with the Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant. Instead, the Lodge had the Veterans fill out a “Wish List Form” to better accommodate their needs. During the deliveries, the Volunteers found five children of the Veteran’s families that were also in need of winter outerwear. They all received jackets, boots, hats and mittens as well.
With the $2,500 from the Freedom Grant, and the donation of hygiene kits, long underwear, socks, and sweatshirts from the American Red Cross, the Lodge was able to fulfill all the Veteran’s needs.
Special thanks to the ten volunteer members of Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 and John Safford who helped to make a difference in the lives of these Veterans and their families.
To learn more about the Elks National Foundation and what we do as Elks, please visit www.elks.org
