Every year throughout our country, the Elks host an incredibly special day at their Lodges for children and their communities. Elks Youth Appreciation takes place in May and whether it is a grand BBQ or a day of fishing, an arts and crafts day or inviting kids to a local zoo, Elks Youth Appreciation demonstrates the compassion of all Elks for families and communities.
At Christian County Elks #2777 our Kite Day for Elks Youth Appreciation was another complete success, but it was not possible without the support of our fellow Elks, our community partners, and grants from Elks Grand Lodge. Ozark and Nixa Walmart stepped up again with $400 in gift cards that made it possible to purchase hamburgers, hot dogs, all the fixings, helium tank for ballons, kites and much more. Plus, Walmart Corporate also approved a grant of $2500 for our Elks Back to School Shopping with Kids in July. Thank You!
Every year Christian County Elks applies for grants from Elks Grand Lodge in Chicago and CC Elks was again fortunate to receive multiple grants. Community Appreciation and Support is also an important segment of Elks Youth Appreciation and our Lodge goes all-in with donations: $500 to Pack 75 Cub Scouts, $500 to D.A.R.E. Program, $500 Troop 201 Scouts, $500 to Least of These Food Pantry, $1500 to Sho-Me Jeepers and SW District CASA, and $500 Christian County Extension 4H.
Elks event organizer, Jerry Fritchman, Elks Treasurer, skipped no expense for Kite Day including ordering beautiful blue sky with a light wind. Youngsters Hazel and Elise Melton were so excited to meet Ozark Firefighters Ryan Bernhardt and Jacob Reynolds and climb into the driver seat of their firetruck. When it came to flying kites, over twenty kids and adults tried their best to reach the clouds. Inside the Elks Lodge activities were on going. Grace of Christian County Extension 4H was painting faces, families and Elks were play Corn Hole and multiple tables for coloring. Rounding out the special day was a complimentary lunch of hamburgers, hotdog, and ice cream.
Thank you to all our community partners including Ozark Firefighters Ryan Bernhardt and Jacob Reynolds for bringing out the fire truck, and Ozark Walmart Store Manager Roger Fleeman and Nixa Walmart Store Manager Kipp Easley for their continuous support. Thank you to Scout leaders Jason Factor and Brad Tummons, Least of These Food Pantry executive Michele Archer, DARE Officer Bill Whitaker, Christian County Extension 4H representative Michelle Rogers and SW District CASA representatives (Sho-Me Jeepers) Darin and Jenni Hargis and Louise Domiano.
