From Elks press release
Del Rio Elks #837 received a Special Grant of $4,497.97 to spend in the local community to support our
special needs children. These funds were earned by the Lodge Sweetheart who is tasked to earn money
through various fundraisers throughout the year to support the Texas Elks Special Project, which is a
camp located in Ottine, Texas, and local community special needs children. A portion of every
Sweetheart’s earnings are set aside in June every year for Lodge’s to spend. This year, the Lodge was
able to purchases 10 laptops for qualifying children to use as they work their school assignments from
home.
The Texas Elks Camp provides special needs and foster children an opportunity to try new things and
meet new friends. There are 6 sessions every summer for any child with special needs or in foster care
age 7 to 16, who is a resident of the state of Texas. No child is denied acceptance on the basis of income
level, race, creed, color, religion or ethnic origin. The camp is free and campers are accepted on a first
come/first served basis. You can find out more information at www.texaselkscamp.com.
(Jose Gaytan and his family picking up his laptop and software)
In addition to the Sweetheart Program, the Elks Lodge support three scout troops–a Cub Scout Pack for
boys and girls from first grade to fifth grade; a Boy Scout troop for male members; and, a separate Boy
Scout troop for female members. The Elk’s support has helped 23 Eagle Scouts achieve their rank under
the guidance of the Elks over the last seven years. There are over 30 kids and 15 adults in the Del Rio
Elks program.
