Newark Elks Lodge No. 1249 joined six other West Central Elk Lodges at the Canandaigua Medical Center to bring gifts and holiday cheer to the resident veterans. Mark Clingerman and Bill Morley from the Newark Elks Veterans Service Committee and many of the lodge members collected nearly 500 items to take to Canandaigua.
The meeting room bustled with enthusiasm as members loaded carts with lap robes and afghans specially made by Sue House, personal hygiene items, knitted scarves, hats, puzzles, cards, books, sewing kits, totes and the list goes on. The overflowing carts went to the various units at the center where the gifts were distributed along with special greetings.
Ronald Perdue, a veteran of the 173 Airborne Paratroopers from 1965-67, welcomed the Christmas presents and good wishes, but stated that, "Elks visiting at Christmas is an excellent idea for many reasons, but the biggest one is that it lifts up the spirit of the veterans so we don't feel so forgotten."
Oscar Lindner, also a veteran of the Vietnam War, served in the 1st Cavalry Division in the United States Army during 1965-67. His face lit up as the visiting Elks sang their rendition of Happy Birthday that could be heard throughout the unit.
Elks collect needed items all year long to distribute to the veterans at Christmas and they can be dropped off at 223 S. Main St. For further information about this and other veteran, youth and community projects supported by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, call 331-1249 or visit www.Elks.org.
Newark Elks Lodge No. 1249 joined six other West Central Elk Lodges at the Canandaigua Medical Center to bring gifts and holiday cheer to the resident veterans. Mark Clingerman and Bill Morley from the Newark Elks Veterans Service Committee and many of the lodge members collected nearly 500 items to take to Canandaigua.
The meeting room bustled with enthusiasm as members loaded carts with lap robes and afghans specially made by Sue House, personal hygiene items, knitted scarves, hats, puzzles, cards, books, sewing kits, totes and the list goes on. The overflowing carts went to the various units at the center where the gifts were distributed along with special greetings.
Ronald Perdue, a veteran of the 173 Airborne Paratroopers from 1965-67, welcomed the Christmas presents and good wishes, but stated that, "Elks visiting at Christmas is an excellent idea for many reasons, but the biggest one is that it lifts up the spirit of the veterans so we don't feel so forgotten."
Oscar Lindner, also a veteran of the Vietnam War, served in the 1st Cavalry Division in the United States Army during 1965-67. His face lit up as the visiting Elks sang their rendition of Happy Birthday that could be heard throughout the unit.
Elks collect needed items all year long to distribute to the veterans at Christmas and they can be dropped off at 223 S. Main St. For further information about this and other veteran, youth and community projects supported by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, call 331-1249 or visit www.Elks.org.
