Elks love a (Rose) Parade

For the first time since 1995, the Elks will have a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 2.

The Elks Tournament of Roses parade float allows all Elks to show their pride and share work done by BPOE to promote the organization's mission and values, said Linda Tatlock, past exalted ruler of the Sandpoint Elks Lodge and state secretary of the Idaho State Elks Association.

The Elks have been busy helping its communities, with thousands of financially struggling families receiving food baskets and presents. Elk volunteers also will visit thousands of hospitalized veterans, and support both active military forces and veterans. Last year alone, the value of Elks’ contributions to the nation’s heroes provided more than $39 million to more than 300 Veterans Administration medical centers, clinics and state care facilities.

The Elks receive thousands of scholarship applications from high school seniors nationwide, with nearly $5 million distributed annually. The Elks Community Investment Program will award almost $16 million to help local communities. Elks Lodges nationwide donated more than $368 million last year to the communities they serve throughout the United States and its territories.

There are nearly 1,800 Elks Lodges across the country, with a total membership of around 800,000. Elks members must be American citizens who are at least 21 years of age and must believe in God.

Information: www.elks.org