The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Elks donate to Summer Food Program

Van Wert Elks information

Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, recently donated $500 to the YWCA of Van Wert County for the YWCA’s Summer Food Program. This is the 20th year the YWCA has run this important program.

Shown are YWCA Executive Director Danielle Chiles receiving a check from Elks Exalted Ruler Alan R. Lautzenheiser. (Elks photo)
Shown are YWCA Executive Director Danielle Chiles receiving a check from Elks Exalted Ruler Alan R. Lautzenheiser. (Elks photo)

The Elks donation is from a Gratitude Grant the lodge receives from the Elks National Foundation for achieving the required goal of donations at $4.60 per member.

The program includes breakfast and lunch as well as recreational and educational activities.  While during the school year, free and reduced-price breakfast and lunches through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs provide nutritional food for area children, the Summer Food Program aims to fill in the gap between the end of classes and the beginning of the next school year.   During the eight weeks of the program last year the YWCA served over 20,000 meals to 340 children of Van Wert County.    This year the YWCA expects to see 400 participants and serve more than 21,000 meals.

In previous years, the program has been free for all participants. Due to the increasing operating costs expected, the YWCA is asking for a nominal donation for the recreational portion per family.   Since some families cannot afford to make this donation, the monies donated by Van Wert Lodge will help to feed these children.

Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the YWCA with this important summer program.

POSTED: 06/29/15 at 6:33 am. FILED UNDER: News