Kellogg Elks give back

KELLOGG — The Kellogg Elks Lodge has kicked off its grant season, providing the community with essential support and aid. Thanks largely to the Elks National Foundation and dedicated volunteers, this year’s grants have significantly impacted the lives of those who need it the most.

For the fifth year in a row, the Kellogg Elks secured a Beacon Grant to benefit the Silver Valley Snack Pak program. This year’s $4,000 donation brings the past four years of cash contributions to $17,000 for the program. This program provides essential food to food-insecure grade school children in the area, using dedicated volunteers and funding from grants, private donations, and local civic and church groups. This program has been serving the area’s at-risk children for the past several years, and last year, the organizers expanded into Kellogg Middle School by providing a weekend food pantry for students.

The $2,000 Gratitude grant from the Elks National Foundation provides $50 gas and grocery gift cards to Shoshone County veterans in need. This marks $12,500 in monetary donations to local veterans over the past three years. Shoshone County is home to the most significant percentage of veterans in Idaho, with approximately 1,292 veterans residing there. The Gratitude grant, also $2,000, was split three ways to support the Silver Valley Worship Center Food Room, Shoshone County Food Bank and Real Life Food Room. This grant is crucial in aiding their food distribution efforts throughout the community and provides essential support to those in need. With Shoshone County having the highest food insecurity rate in Idaho, the Kellogg Elks are doing their part to help alleviate hunger in the area.

Finally, the Kellogg Senior Center receives this year’s $2,000 Spotlight Grant. The grant funds were used to repair the roof and partially pay for the center’s annual Commercial Property Coverage insurance. The Kellogg Senior Center provides space for various groups, events, activities and organizations, and operates on a minimal budget. The grant will help the center continue to serve the community.

The grants, funded by the National Elks Foundation, must be used for local charitable activities that actively serve the community. The Kellogg Elks promise to continue serving their community in new and meaningful ways while serving a population in need.

For more information regarding the Kellogg Elks grant programs, please contact Carol Young at 208-659-7075.