Elks Lodge #140 awards $8,500 in grants

MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon Elks Lodge #140 has a 125-year history of investing in the community and improving the quality of life for Knox County residents. Lodge members continued that tradition in 2022.

The lodge applied for and received $8,500 in grant funds from the Elks National Foundation (ENF). In turn, lodge members donated the money to three local organizations:

•$2,500 to the Knox County Emergency Management Agency for the Rescue Task Force to purchase the tools needed to breach doors in a lockdown situation. Kyle Johnson, RTF instructor, accepted for EMA.

•$3,000 to the Winter Sanctuary homeless shelter to help continue its mission of meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness. Executive Director Julie Miller accepted the donation.

•$3,000 to New Directions to help continue the many resources the agency offers for domestic violence, sexual assault and preventative education. Lori Jones-Perkins, executive director, accepted the donation.

“We also give donations to various other organizations throughout the year,” said Elks Exalted Ruler Laura Webster. “These donations are separate from the grants and are made possible by the generosity of our members.”

“Every month we give donations to several nonprofit organizations as well as scholarships for our local schools. Last year we handed out 16 $1,000 scholarships to the schools in the county. We do the same every year,” Steve Dick, Esteemed Leading Knight, said. “We also support our local veterans and youth programs.”

Dick said the National Elks Foundation awards thousands of dollars each year to local lodges as grants to support organizations that help individuals and their families.

“The money used is raised through the Fidelity Club, which is made up of members of the Elks throughout the United States,” he explained. “The members donate money throughout the year which goes into the National Elks Foundation.”

Webster said she joined the Elks for a few reasons, one being that her father was a member, and she had many fond memories of being there with him.

“Once I became a member, I knew I wanted to get involved in the difference that the Elks makes in our community and join in the fellowship with like-minded people,” she said. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of officers and members who volunteer time and time again when asked to do so.”

“Our Mount Vernon lodge is always looking for new members,” Dick said. “Those who are interested in becoming a member can go to one of our existing members and ask for an application. Any of our members would be happy to sponsor new members.”