Sanford Elks Brings Holiday Joy

Sanford Elks Lodge Brings Holiday Joy to High School Teens and Burn Center Patients

This holiday season, Sanford Elks Lodge #1679 proudly put its Beacon Grant to work for the community through its Toys for Teens project. The program provided Christmas presents to 24 high school students in need, helping ensure they experienced the joy of the season. Working closely with guidance counselors from two local public high schools, the Lodge was able to anonymously identify students and gather their wish lists, making sure each gift was meaningful and personal.

The Lodge didn’t stop there. Recognizing a gap in holiday giving, Sanford Elks also purchased Kindle Fire tablets and headphones for teenage patients at the NC Burn Center. While many donations typically go to younger children, few programs focus on teens—so the Lodge stepped up to meet this important need.

Additionally, the Lodge hosted a toy drive as part of the Three Alarm Toy Drive, a local initiative organized by the Pocket Community Volunteer Fire Department to support the NC Burn Center. The drive collected toys that brought holiday cheer to even more children receiving care.

Thanks to the generosity of our members and the Beacon Grant, Sanford Elks continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of teens and young patients, ensuring no one is forgotten this holiday season.

Left to right: Joe Clancy, PSP and Lodge Treasurer; David Nance, retired Fire Chief of the Pocket Fire Department; Steve Johnson, Lodge Secretary; Brian Carlyle, Lodge Inner Guard; Duncan Riddle, Lodge Esquire.

Secret Shopper Yenly Clancy (left) presents gifts to Southern Lee High School counselor Katylnn Roberts (also and Elks member)

Secret Shopper Denise Rodgers (right) presents gifts to Lee County High School counselors.