Elks Christmas Lunch for Veterans: More than Just another Meal

NORTH WILDWOOD — For six years, Elks Lodge 1896 has hosted a Christmas luncheon for area veterans.
Transportation was provided Dec. 18 for the veterans from the National Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland. A contingent of Vietnam veterans also attended. They are associated with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) treatment program run from the Coast Guard Training Center Cape May.
With an all-American meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and string beans, the lunch is a way for the Elks lodge to capstone a year of activities supporting those who served and may now be in need.
Through the year, the lodge’s Veterans Committee steps in where needed to help with temporary rent and utility payments, back-to-school clothes for veteran families with children, and a helping hand to keep a family in their home and off the street.
Santa dropped in at the North Wildwood site with bags of gifts for the veterans including a gift card, veteran’s bracelet, and an individually-decorated Christmas card prepared by students at MaST, a Philadelphia charter school.
The Wildwood High School choir performed, opening with a rendition of the national anthem and later entertained with Christmas-themed songs.
The Elks kitchen supplied chicken fingers and french fries as an alternative to the meatloaf.
Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak (D-1st), a decorated Army veteran, delivered the appreciation of all New Jersey residents for each veteran’s service. 
Jacqueline Blaydes continued her attendance at the event.
A 20-year Navy veteran, Blaydes provides help to county veterans through the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development. 
Joe Griffies brought his “Welcome Home, Veterans” radio show, taping a segment at the Elks Lodge.
As the lodge’s Veterans Committee chair Charles Feeney was master of ceremony, those who have attended in the past were forced to take note of the passage of time. Marine Veteran Edward Garten, who annually had offered grace before the food service, died only months before this event.
All who entered the dining area had to pass a Christmas tree surrounded by gifts for local children in need.
The angel tree started out with cards tied to branches expressing the wishes of children for Christmas.
Over 200 of those wished for items that were purchased and wrapped. They were delivered to 80 children before Christmas.
For some of the young high school students, the event offers an opportunity to meet veterans for whom service to country was a life-shaping experience. 
It also displayed for students the actions of the Elks as they recognize and honor the debt owed to those who served.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.