Elks Lodge 1 presents Freedom Grant to L.I. Cares

In a heartfelt gesture of support, New York Elks Lodge 1 presented a Freedom Grant to the Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank, operated by Long Island Cares, on June 27. The grant, totaling $1,000, aims to assist the organization in its efforts to provide essential resources to veterans and their families on designated Military Appreciation Tuesdays.

Long Island Cares operates a network of food banks, and on Tuesdays they extend their services exclusively to veterans. The organization created Military Appreciation Tuesdays in 2011 to address the growing needs of veterans returning to the region. Because Long Island is home to a substantial number of veterans, L.I. Cares recognized the necessity to provide assistance for them. In collaboration with Nassau and Suffolk County Veterans Services agencies, Military Appreciation Tuesdays were established as a dedicated day for them to have access to emergency food, household supplies, personal care items and even pet food.

The atmosphere on these Tuesdays is one of camaraderie and a sense of belonging among the attendees, as they make friends with fellow veterans. The initiative collaborates with several community partners that offer specialized services for veterans, ensuring that those in need receive support beyond emergency food provisions.

Long Island Cares’ pantries are located in Freeport, Huntington Station, Bethpage, Lindenhurst and Hampton Bays, and the members of the Elks Lodge recently visited the Freeport facility. L.I. Cares also revealed plans to open a new pantry in Valley Stream soon, which will expand its reach and impact.

The Elks Lodge is a nationwide fraternal organization with a rich history spanning over 150 years. The Elks engage in various social activities, but they are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities, and their primary focus is on charitable endeavors, with a special emphasis on supporting veterans and children. Throughout their history, they have provided assistance to those in need, funding hospitals, supporting education, and offering aid to military personnel during times of conflict.

“The Elks are the best organization that nobody knows about,” said Lisa Moldovan, the grant writer for New York Elks Lodge 1, in Lynbrook. “It’s really — it’s a shame. There are so many lodges throughout the country, on Long Island and nationally.”

The $1,000 donation to L.I. Cares by the Elks National Foundation will help fill the gaps in supplies that are crucial to the success of Military Appreciation Tuesdays. It highlights the Elks’ dedication to veterans and the pressing issue of hunger in the community, particularly exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Looking ahead, the lodge hopes to apply for a Classic Freedom Grant next year to further support Long Island Cares’ efforts at the new Valley Stream facility.

“We’re still a ways off from doing the build-out and getting it open to the community,” Dr. Jessica Rosati, Long Island Cares’ chief program officer, said. “But we’re very excited about the potential to be in that community and help Long Islanders in need.”

“We’re incredibly grateful for the partnership with the Elks, and we’re super humbled that they trust us to utilize these funds to give back to such a precious population,” Rosati said. “I’m thankful, and I know that the veterans that we serve in Freeport will to be very grateful.”