Arvada Elks recognized by Je erson County School Board for giving holiday gift cards to families

families at 14 schools with $100 King Soopers gift cards this December.

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Arvada Elks Lodge was recognized at the Feb. 9 Je erson County School Board meeting, where the board presented the Elks with an “Our Communities: Our Legacy” recognition for the Elks holiday gift card drive which bene tted 140 Jeffco families.

e Elks provided 140 Je co e Arvada Elks Lodge is part of a national organization and was chartered in 1963. Since 1964, the Arvada Elks — the largest chapter in Colorado — have organized an annual holiday food basket fund- raiser, which they changed to a gift card drive last year after being made aware of the challenges some faced to prepare the traditional Christmas fare that was previously provided. is year, the Elks worked in partnership with school liaisons and local nonpro t Hope, Connection and Community to identify families in need and plan how to best serve them.

Families at Lawrence Elementary, Secrest Elementary, Swanson Elementary, Stevens Elementary, Peak/ Pennington, Oberon Middle School, Arvada North Middle School, Everette Middle School, Arvada High School, Wheat Ridge High School, Little Elementary, Parr Elementary, omson Elementary and Arvada K-8 were among those who received gift cards.

Arvada Elks Exalted Ruler Jim Nealon thanked the board for their recognition.

“It speaks volumes for what the Arvada elks lodge does for the Arvada community,” Nealon said. “It meant a lot for us to be recognized. What a special moment to be recognized by

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the board of education; it’s so meaningful that we’re being recognized in our community for our work.” e Elks will be continuing with their gift card drive model this year