The Salisbury Elks Lodge #699 recently donated winter clothing and first aid kits to the Salisbury VA Homeless Veterans Program on Brenner Avenue. Items included jackets, hat/glove/scarf sets, socks, thermal underwear, health aid and treat bags to assist at least 40 local veterans.

“Thanks to the Elks National Foundation (ENF) Beacon grant, we continue to give back to our community,” said Rich Penk, Salisbury #699 ENF grant coordinator. “Caring for our local veterans is a top priority for us. It’s a real way to put our motto into action and show Elks Care, Elks Share.”

The ENF was established in 1928. The mission is to help build stronger communities by investing in areas where Elks live and work. It funds projects that improve the quality of life especially those that impact youth and veterans.

Penk added, “Our lodge is grateful for the strong partnership with the Salisbury VA that allows us to better match the veterans’ needs with our resources.”

Elks honor female veterans

On a recent visit to the Salisbury State Veterans Home, Kenny Martin, ER of Salisbury Elks Lodge #699, presented a framed photo of women veterans. It will be placed in one of the common areas at the Brenner Avenue facility so that all residents and visitors can remember and celebrate their valuable contributions.

Tom Gallo, a fellow Lodge member from Raleigh, created the image entitled “It Is The Veteran.” It depicts women veterans from the colonial days to the present.

“As Elks, we honor all women who served (and are serving) our country,” Martin said. “We value and are grateful for their dedication and service. Because of them, and all veterans, we can enjoy the freedoms that we do.”

Kandace Lewis, activities director at the facility, received the gift along with other donations from the lodge including gift cards, bingo funds and disposable razors.

Serving food to those who served

Penk works closely with The Elks Welcome Home Program and Rowan Helping Ministries to coordinate household kits for those individuals who have been approved for housing.

Items purchased and/or donated for the kits include kitchen and bathroom products, cleaning supplies, small appliances, paper goods and other household necessities.

Penk has supplied twelve welcome home kits in 2024.