The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Austin Lodge 201 was officially founded on May 9, 1891. As a charitable institution, the men and women of the Lodge have made numerous contributions to the welfare of the community and continues to support programs that provide college scholarships, support the men and women of the military, and aid those less fortunate. The Order's motto "Elks Care, Elks Share" is practiced by more than one million members at over 2,100 Lodges nationwide.

AUSTIN ELKS LODGE BEGINS CLOTHING DRIVE FOR FAMILIES OF FT. HOOD SOLDIERS SERVING OVERSEAS

The officers and members of Austin Lodge 201, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, have begun collecting new and gently used women's and children's clothing for the families of soldiers deployed overseas. Donations from lodge members and the general public can be dropped off at the lodge located at 700 Dawson Road, in downtown Austin, throughout the month of July.

The lodge is especially asking for children's clothing, from infancy to teenager sizes and all sizes in women's clothing. Although new clothing is requested, any gently used outer garment that has been properly cleaned will be accepted. Receipts will be provided for anyone wishing to claim a charitable donation to the IRS. Every donation will be inventoried and taken to the Chaplain Fellowship Ministries in Temple, who in turn will coordinate with the Fort Hood staff to ensure the people in need get the items.

Although many spouses may get an allotment check and some assistance from the Army's Community Service office at Fort Hood, it often isn't enough to cover all the expenses of these families. The Army's Community Assistance team does a great job, but the increased number of dependant families simply means the need is growing and the funds just doesn't go as far as that need.

"Can you imagine starting to school is old ragged clothes? Some kids will do just that without our help. We can help the active duty veteran by picking up some of the slack for his kids," says lodge member Chaplain Larry Todd.

Patriotism is one of the founding principles of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and lodges all across America, organize a variety of projects, benefiting current and past members of the armed forces and their families. The Veteran's Administration hospitals, for example, can trace their origins back to the efforts of The Elks at the beginning of the twentieth century.

 

 

Link here to the Texas Elks Camp Page

Link here to the BPOE Hurricane Katrina / Rita Relief Fund

 

 

BPOE 201 | 700 Dawson Road | Austin, TX 78704 | Phone: 512-442-8535 | Fax: 512-442-3198 | Email: info@austinelks.com
by the BPOE 201 Webmaster.