Lynbrook Elks celebrate 154 years

The Elks have given of themselves in many ways for the betterment of local communities. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks were founded on Feb. 16, 1868, The First Lodge of the Order is New York Elks Lodge No. 1, in Lynbrook, which holds the first Grand Lodge Charter of the organization.

Many other lodges across the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines also celebrated the 154 years of Elkdom on Feb. 16. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has made more than $12 billion in donations since it first started 154 years ago. Last year alone, the Elks contributed about $375 million in cash, gifts and membership time donations to make local communities better places for families to live.

New York Elks Lodge No. 1 has contributed more than $16 million to the vast area communities that have been associated with it. The Elks are one of the premier patriotic and charitable organizations in the country. Elk volunteers will visit thousands of hospitalized veterans that have protected our freedoms. The Elks vow, “so long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” The Elks support both active military forces and retired veterans. Elks furnish food, provide gifts, host holiday celebrations and recreational activities at various locations and hospitals and stand ready to help fulfill any need when called upon.

Last year, the Elks’ contributions to the nation’s heroes provided more than $50 million to more than 300 Veterans Administration Medical Centers, clinics and state care facilities. Annually, the Elks award college scholarships across the country, totaling more than $4.5 million. The Elks Community Investment Program will award nearly $47 million toward enriching local communities. There are nearly 1,800 Elks lodges across the country with a total membership of about 800,000. Elks members must be American citizens who are at least 21 years of age and must believe in God. The New York State Elks Association has 119 lodges across the state and has 45,000-plus members, Lodge No. 1, at 57 Hempstead Ave., has been in Lynbrook since the 2005- 06 merger of Elks lodges.

Membership of Lodge No. 1 Elks support the community in many ways and are proud of what they do, from the lodge’s young boys and girls in scouting, local graduating seniors, various drug awareness programs, supporting veterans, donating to cerebral palsy projects, local food banks, senior citizens and more. Last year, the Elks gave $8,000 to various groups and organizations, including veterans programs and $30,000 to other projects.