Lake Oconee Elks Lodge spread Christmas cheer across four counties

  • Putnam Co. Neighbors Helping Neighbors Beds for Kids, L-R: Elk Norma Graham, Frank Revson, leader of the mission team, and Elk Bob Colie.
    Putnam Co. Neighbors Helping Neighbors Beds for Kids, L-R: Elk Norma Graham, Frank Revson, leader of the mission team, and Elk Bob Colie.
  • Greene County Empty Stocking Fund, L-R: Elk Bill Lewis, Beth Thomas with empty stocking fund, Elk Barry Bishop and Targie Folds.
    Greene County Empty Stocking Fund, L-R: Elk Bill Lewis, Beth Thomas with empty stocking fund, Elk Barry Bishop and Targie Folds.
  • Madison Morgan Community Food Bank, L-R: Bill Lewis, Food Bank Director Sherry Terrell, Barry Bishop and Madison Police Chief Bill Ashburn.
    Madison Morgan Community Food Bank, L-R: Bill Lewis, Food Bank Director Sherry Terrell, Barry Bishop and Madison Police Chief Bill Ashburn.
  • Elk Mary Zachary visits with veteran Jonathan Norwood.
    Elk Mary Zachary visits with veteran Jonathan Norwood.
  • Tree decorating with Elks Fred Thyer and Mike DePetrillo.
    Tree decorating with Elks Fred Thyer and Mike DePetrillo.
  • Residents enjoying the pizza party.
    Residents enjoying the pizza party.
  • Group photo of volunteers not in any particular order: Peter Novak, Daniel Mahoney, Diane Johnson, Mike Johnson, Mike DePetrillo, Tracey Hall, Mike Essex, Jon Dill, Chuck Brake, ER Mary Zachary, Paul Bange, Fred Thyer and Kevin Bacon.
    Group photo of volunteers not in any particular order: Peter Novak, Daniel Mahoney, Diane Johnson, Mike Johnson, Mike DePetrillo, Tracey Hall, Mike Essex, Jon Dill, Chuck Brake, ER Mary Zachary, Paul Bange, Fred Thyer and Kevin Bacon.

Each year, Lake Oconee Elks Lodge No. 2849 makes Christmas donations to four charities within Greene, Putnam, Morgan, and Hancock counties.

This year a $2,000 donation was made on Nov. 29 to Greene County Empty Stocking Fund, with Empty Stocking volunteers Beth Thomas and Targie Folds meeting with Elks Bill Lewis and Barry Bishop at the Elks Lodge to receive the check.

That same day, Elks members Bill Lewis, Barry Bishop, and Madison Police Chief Bill Ashburn (also a member), met with Madison-Morgan County Community Food Bank Director Sherry Terrell for a $2,000 donation, while that same day, Lake Oconee Lodge President Mary Zachary with Elks Bob Colie and Bill Lewis went to Hancock County and presented a $2,000 donation to the Hancock County Helping Hands Food Bank Director Gloria Simmons.

The next day, Nov. 30, a $2,000 donation also was presented by Elks Norma Graham and Colie to Frank Revson of Neighbors Helping Neighbors Beds for Kids in Putnam County.

On Dec. 4, a group of Elks members visited the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville where they helped bring veterans down from their rooms to the recreation room for a fun-filled afternoon eating pizza and donuts while putting ornaments and lights on the Christmas tree.

The Elks have a motto: “Solong as there are Veterans, they will never be forgotten.” Lake Oconee Lodge No. 2849 wishes everyone at the Georgia War Veterans Home and veterans everywhere a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Tags
Lake Oconee Elks Lodge