On July 20th I had the pleasure of working with fellow members of the Peekskill Elks Lodge in what I consider to be a worthy cause. The Elks held an event for individuals in need. They provided a home cooked meal and over 200 bags of groceries to people who could use a little help in these hard economic times. For weeks I watched as members of the Elks collected donations, shopped for the event and prepared for what we hoped would be a successful endeavor. All though it didn’t turn out exactly as planned, it was a success. All remaining food and groceries were donated to two different shelters. We personally delivered the items and were greeted by many helpful hands.
Along with this event, the Peekskill Elks Lodge shipped packages to four deployed military units. Members donated their time to shop, pack and ship the packages that we sent with well wishes for a safe return. The packages were filled to the brim with items that our soldiers could use while they are so far away from home.
We normally take for granted all that we have, and sometimes we forget that everyone is not as fortunate. Participating in these events opened my eyes to what lies outside my own little world. It made me wonder: What else can be done? How can we as Elks help?
After all was said and done, there is one thing that I will always remember: I saw true gratitude and happiness in the faces of those in need. It made all the work well worth it, and I would absolutely do it again.
