It's time to go back to school!

Last night The Beverly/Salem Elk's Lodge #1309 hosted it's 4th annual back to school backpack drive at The Salvation Army in Salem MA. This event started by the Elks in 2015 where it just gave away only 25 backpacks has grown to an event which this year gave away 150 backpacks and school supplies. The Elk's partnership with The Salvation Army is a strong community bond which started almost 6 years ago where they take 40 students on a shopping spree to get them ready for school.

The students who are selected to receive the backpacks are selected by The Salvation Army who and are based on a need basis determined by members of the Salvation Army staff. This event also allows the elks to extend its community service efforts with a location in Salem to hold the program and also provide a broader range of different awareness programs. The students are also given the opportunity to have snacks and play games which they can earn prizes to help encourage positivity.

This event takes many volunteers and community members as all of the backpacks and school supplies are donated from members of the elks lodge and their families. The event is assisted every year by Wendy Piecinoga who is a past Exalted Ruler at the Elks and a longtime member who is always willing to help out with any event for the community.

This event was a huge success and if you would be interested in making donations to help this event continue into the future donations can be made all year long and can be dropped off at The Bevelry/Salem Elks Lodge #1309 located at 39 Bow St in Beverly MA.

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