Elks Lodge benefit community

I wanted to express my views of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

We are a fraternal organization that does a lot of charitable work. I want the public to know how much we do for this community.

California and Hawaii Elks raised near close $3 million to help children who lived in rural areas get access to therapists for physical and occupational therapy.

We also send specialists out to private elementary schools for hearing and vision screening tests. We supply dictionaries to third graders through our local schools. We promote drug awareness to our youth through numerous projects.

We help our local Boy Scout troops and, along with the Boy Scouts, promote Americanism through our Flag Day ceremonies. We are No. 2 in the nation for providing scholarships to our youth and No. 1 in the United States. We have one local Lodi student, whose essay won a national award and she received $60,000 in tuition aid.

We have social fund raisers throughout the year for our veterans and local charities, as well as for our own charities sponsored through the Elks. This year alone we donated $1,000 to Hospice of San Joaquin Valley. We help better the Stockton and Lodi community.

Wherever there is a local Elks Lodge, that community benefits. In order to continue to enhance our communities, we need upstanding citizens to volunteer for various charitable events.

Susan Sanchez
Lodi