East Central District Elks Bring Santa To The Veterans At Lyons

By Cranford Elks

One of the causes the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks hold dear is our nation’s Veterans.

This time of year can be especially hard for those veterans in VA hospitals, such as the Lyons Campus of the New Jersey VA System.

To help bring some holiday cheer to those who have served our country so bravely, Santa, along with members of the New Jersey Elks East Central District, visited the Lyons VA hospital on December 11 to serve a holiday dinner and bring gifts to the patients. The New Jersey East Central District lodges include Cranford, Elizabeth/Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Springfield/Hillside, Stirling, Summit and Union.

For decades, the Elks have planned events such as picnics and parties at the Lyons VA. At this year’s Christmas party, a total of 100 gift bags were given out during the Christmas party. Each bag included items such as caps and gloves, socks and t-shirts, snacks and puzzle books.

Many of the veterans stated how grateful they were for the food, gifts, company and experience. Members of the Elks who were there to assist echoed this gratitude for the service the veterans have provided for this country.

This was about the 5th year that Cranford Elks Exalted Ruler Mark Dunnder has attended the Christmas Party.

He continues to support this event because “it seems like we can never do enough for these men and women who put their lives on the line for the daily freedoms we have as citizens.”

To volunteer or donate to the Lyons campus of the VA Health Care System, call Voluntary Services at (908) 604-5814 or follow the link below to find a campus near you.

Cranford Elks Lodge 2006

951 Lincoln Avenue East

Cranford, NJ 07016

(908) 276-6268

CranfordElks@gmail.com

Links:

Lyons Campus VA New Jersey Health Care Systemhttp://www.va.gov/directory/GUIDE/facility.asp?id=45

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks http://www.elks.org/

Elks National Foundation http://www.elks.org/ENF/mission.cfm