Front Royal Elks Lodge donated over $13,000 this holiday season to support local programs

Elks Lodge #2382, Front Royal’s local chapter of the 153-year old fraternal organization, announced today that it has donated over $13,000 this holiday season to support local programs that benefit students, children, and animal welfare in the Shenandoah Valley region. The donations were made possible through a combination of revenue streams, including fundraisers, member donations, and grants from the national organization.

“As an organization that exists to advance the spirit of charity and community fellowship, Elks members understand the importance of giving back locally during the holidays,” said Bob Conway, Esteemed Leading Knight of the Front Royal Elks Lodge and Government Affairs Chairman of the Virginia Elks Association. “The generosity of our members combined with legal and regulated charitable gaming is critical to our support for local community programs. To preserve our ability to give back to local organizations and people in need, we call upon the General Assembly to protect legal charitable gaming, which is threatened by the growth of illegal gambling in Virginia.”

Elks Lodge #2382’s holiday season support for impactful local programs and causes include:

The Backpack Buddies program is organized by the United Methodist Church and Front Royal Presbyterian Church, an initiative to help feed elementary school children during weekends and evenings when they are not otherwise in school.

Support for the Humane Society of Warren County.

A contribution to Reaching Out Now to help feed 40 local families.

Served 129 meals at its Seniors, Veterans, and First Responders Christmas Luncheon, which included toys for children through Toys for Tots and entertainment from Elroy the Elk, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster.

Elks Lodge #2382’s holiday charitable activity is in addition to organizations and individuals it supports throughout the year, including Samuels Public Library of Front Royal, Phoenix Project of Front Royal, House of Hope for homeless men, Congregational Community Action Project, support for families in immediate need through a partnership with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, scholarships for graduates of Skyline High School and R-MA, and funding for various community youth sports teams.

In addition to member donations, fundraisers, and grants, state-regulated charitable gaming, which is the oldest form of regulated gaming in the Commonwealth of Virginia, is indispensable to Lodge #2382’s charitable giving – enabling the Lodge to support local veterans, students, children, and families.

However, in recent years, the growth of illegal gambling in Virginia has severely cut into legal charitable gaming revenues. Illegal gaming – which is unregulated and untaxed – is oftentimes difficult to distinguish from legal, charitable gaming programs. As such, there is a need for the General Assembly to protect legal charitable gaming and the benefits that come with it.

A selfie with Elroy the Elk and Captain Crystal Cline of the Front Royal Police Department during the Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec 4.