ELKS HELP VETS WITH $10,000 GRANT

Peter Behr, San Rafael Elks Veterans’ Commission chair (left), assists veteran Ato Houston (Army). –Photo by Marie Behr

In Marin County homeless veterans are usually placed through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, VA Supportive Housing programs using Section 8 housing vouchers.
However, when taking a number of these veterans on shopping trips for basic bed linens and kitchen supplies, using the Elks’ $300 “Welcome Home Grant” for veterans, the San Rafael Elks Lodge members discovered that they are provided with a bed at most for their new apartment.
So far, they have been successful in finding a limited amount of Elks’ donated furniture, dishes and kitchenware to add to the basic bed.
With a $10,000 Elks National Foundation grant they are now able to supplement donated furniture and provide small appliances such as microwave ovens and mixers. When a veteran is placed in a new home, the Elks can take him or her “shopping” in their storage rooms to furnish their apartments. Other veterans we have served in the past are also being helped with some of these additional items. Donated goods and services help the Elks stretch the budget.
If you know of any veterans who can use this service, have furnishings, kitchen items or other donations, or would like to volunteer to help make deliveries, contact Peter Behr, Veterans Committee chair, San Rafael Elks 1108, at behrcredserv@yahoo.com or call 415-454-8835.

Marco Buonchristiani assists with moving furniture for veterans. –Photo by Peter Behr

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Marin 4-H Teen Club (part of Marin 4-H) — a club that is entirely run by teens and focuses on leadership, community service, wellness and social connections for Marin teens (ages 13-18) — hosted a holiday baked goods sale that raised nearly $1,000 to benefit Vivalon.

“Sweets for Seniors” was part of the Marin 4-H Teen Club’s holiday service project. Vivalon was selected as the nonprofit to direct the proceeds because of the organization’s commitment to serving older adults in Marin County for the past 67 years.
“Sweets for Seniors” took place at Cousins’ Christmas Trees in Novato on Dec. 5 and 6. The fundraising items for sale primarily consisted of baked goods, but also included hot dogs, drinks, face painting, treats for goats and cotton candy.
As the largest nonprofit serving older adults in Marin, Vivalon helps those community members stay healthy, active, connected, and informed. Vivalon also provides a variety of nutrition services, specialized transportation services, and more. To learn more about Vivalon, visit vivalon.org.