Desiree Byrd and Kirk Hollis deliver goodie bags to the Betty Ehart Senior Center at 1101 Bathtub Row. The bags provide goodies for seniors and boost morale for others. Photo by Elizabeth Coons
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
LARSO
Sometimes, when times are tough, you never know who the helpers are or have the opportunity to thank them.
This year, some of those people are the local Elk’s Club and the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) wishes to thank them for their service, in many ways.
The Elk’s mission is to invest in their communities by offering programs for youth, helping our Veterans and improving the quality of life. The Los Alamos Elks Lodge, #2803 are helping to feed seniors and brighten the day of many isolated during what may be the pandemic of our lifetime. The Lodge Officers, Trustees, Lodge Committee Chairs and volunteers, come together to make small amounts of time equal a big payoff.
As the senior centers navigate the path, needs unexpected needs arise for members. On occasion, a net is cast to see if community members can help. Desiree Byrd saw the net, heard the plea and jumped right in to rally the troops.
“We are granted the opportunity to provide support to our community with a grant provided by our national organization, Grand Lodge, focus on COVID relief,” Byrd said. “What better way than to provide fun crafts and food for this important part of our community.”
They chose the senior centers as one of three local organizations, because they saw an immediate need that could be filled by their membership. Byrd, along with officer Troy Calloway headed up the planning for the project, to make it happen. They asked members to support the packaged goods, followed COVID protocol and assisted in providing local food bags. These bags will help seniors and veterans, right in the heart of our community.
“Elks Lodge 2083 brings so much more to the community than just a hang out at our private club,” Byrd said. “It’s a place where neighbors come together, families share meals, children grow up and where we plan community support events.”
The national club has a 141-year history, with over 2,000 lodges and nearly a million members. You generally find the charitable organization helping out local projects like; support for the local hockey team, the high school jazz band, community golf tournaments, the annual Easter egg hunt and Topper JROTC program. Their motto is simple, Elks CARE Elks SHARE.
Kirk Hollis has managed to care for their operational funding, allowing for a new surface on our parking lot and completing some much-needed maintenance for the facility. Members volunteer to care for the grounds, and the hearts of members with a call system to check on everyone.
They hope to begin their payday cafes again, providing biweekly meals for members and guests. The meals are prepared safely and served thru a drive thru process. Once they gain some experience, they hope to open the event to community members. The proceeds benefit the lodge and eventually can be applied to their charitable work.
To learn more about the Elks Club, how you can donate, volunteer or become a member, visit www.bpoe2083.org or the national site at www.elks.org.
