‘Elks brighten lives’ with food pantry grant

More than 200 members of the Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge 1896, in North Wildwood, marched in the Elks Parade, June 7, alongside a colorful float that boasted how “Elks Brighten Lives.”
Last week, the Elks proved that point again by donating $9,800 to help feed the hungry at the First Call for Help food pantry in Wildwood.
The local Elks chapter has been working with the United Way of Cape May County for several years—providing holiday food baskets, collecting canned goods, preparing and serving meals at the hot lunch program and purchasing a supply of fresh produce for the food pantry every month.
Through that work, the Elks became aware that there was an even greater need for fresh produce, so on behalf of the United Way, they applied to the national Elks organization for a community investment grant to help meet that need.
“The grant will provide produce to the food pantry every week this year, plus refrigeration equipment,” project coordinator, Gordon Jones said.
The Elk’s slogan is, “Elks care—Elks share,” and working within the community is part of their mission. The Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge 1896 with its more than 3000 members is one of the largest chapters in the country, and last year alone, they contributed more than $160,000 to local and national charitable organizations.
Thursday, a group of Elks visited United Way’s headquarters, on Maple Avenue to make the first weekly delivery of fruits and vegetables. United Way Executive Director Suzanne Nardi said that their generosity is already touching the residents, who need it most.
“Fresh produce, like many other necessities, are becoming prohibitively expensive for our clients,” Nardi said. “We are so grateful to be able to provide fresh fruit and vegetables, and our clients are very grateful, as well.”
For more information on the Greater Wildwood Elks, call 729-5776 or visit elks1896.org.
For more information on United Way of Cape May County Programs and how you can help, call 729-2002 or visit uwcmc.org.