Idris Temple Giving Back in 2020 Submitted by Noble Alex Gonzalez Chief Rabban Idris Temple No. 239 Oasis of Fort Walton Beach The Nobles of Idris Temple No. 239 are no strangers to the community. Idris Temple is a service organization that prides itself on helping those in need. The local Temple greatly enjoys community partnerships. It demonstrates this by their Nobles’ desire to support by giving back through charitable endeavors.
October 21, 2020- Idris Temple No. 239 held a blanket and sock initiative for the homeless. The Nobles donated 86 blankets and 120 pairs of socks to One Hopeful Place Homeless Shelter in Fort Walton Beach. November 3, 2020- Idris Temple No. 239 and Okaloosa County NAACP collaborated to oversee the election voting sites. Chief Rabban Alex Gonzalez volunteered as a non-partisan election protection poll monitor. His role on that historic day was to ensure that all citizens were able to cast a vote without intrusion. December 7, 2020- Idris Nobility marched in the annual Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade. The Nobles turned out to help spread Christmas spirit and hand out candy. December 16, 2020- Idris Temple No. 239 noted the Temple’s yearly election. The Temple congratulates the 2021 Divan: Illustrious Potentate Travis Greenwood, Chief Rabban Alex Gonzalez, Assistant Rabban Derek Andrews, High Priest and Prophet Ron Cook, Oriental Guide Yakariel Robinson, Recorder HPP Willie Wilson, Treasurer HPP Ed Jennings, 1st Ceremonial Master Greg McCollough, 2nd Ceremonial Master Roger Delfosse, Chief of the Guard Al Harris, and Outer Guard John Terry. Idris Temple No. 239 is excited about the upcoming year and look forward to continuing its work in the community.
In August 2020- Idris Temple No. 239 led a bookbag initiative distributing school supplies to families affected by COVID-19. Idris Temple Nobles were spotted at Sylvania Heights First Baptist Church and Gateway City Church blessing nineteen families with bookbags. The Nobles did not stop there. The bookbag giveaway continued and 48 more supply-filled bookbags were donated to Davidson Middle School in Crestview. The kindhearted Nobles were recognized by Principal Jay Sanders of Davidson Middle School who presented the Temple with a Certificate of Appreciation. On September 19, 2020- Idris Temple Nobles rolled up their sleeves to assist with the Feed the City food initiative. They partnered with numerous local organizations, military personnel, politicians, and law enforcement to distribute over 40,000 pounds of food to families in need. October 19, 2020- Chief Rabban Alex Gonzalez and High Priest and Prophet Ron Cook attended the City of Crestview Government Week City Council meeting. The Nobles addressed the Mayor and City Council with a brief explanation of the Temple’s direct impact on the community. The event allowed the Nobles to network and gain insight on future initiatives and partnerships.
The Desert of Florida’s Oasis Magazine
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