The Elks Lodge Works to Give Back to the Community

One of the first points noted by Joyce Powell, vice president of the North East District of the State Association of Elks, is that many people do not truly understand what it is that the does. She explains that they are, first and foremost, a fraternity (although women have been allowed to join since the ‘90s) founded in 1868, with a focus on three main charitable causes.

The first, she says, are children with special needs. For these children, there is the Elks’ Camp Moore.

“On average, 60 to 70 special needs children spend a week at sleep-away camp at no cost to their family. The cost is born by each lodge who sponsor children to go and by the fundraising that the entire committee does throughout the year,” she sadi.

Besides the camp, there are cerebral palsy centers that are supported by the Elks Lodge. The Hasbrouck Heights Lodge supports the center in Clifton. There, patients are treated from childhood to adulthood.

In addition, the Elks Lodge works to help veterans. There is a picnic in September in which the families of victims of war are honored. Each soldier’s name is called out in turn.

“Everything stops when they’re introduced. And there’s a big crowd. And you could hear a pin dropped until that family’s introduced. They only thing you hear is applause,” said Powell.

They also support other events for veterans such as a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving, a golf outing and a visit on veteran’s day.

Lastly, the Elks support youth activities in an effort to keep young people on track to becoming productive citizens. There is a yearbook signing breakfast for high school seniors as well as one to kick off youth week (starting April 1).

There is also a peer leadership program which Powell was the chairperson of not long after joining the Elks.

“It’s a peer leadership conference. We have motivational speakers not only on drug and alcohol abuse but on how to be a peer leader. The pressures that the high school students face, they bring (what they learn) back to their high schools,” she said, speaking about the advantages of the leadership program.

The Elks Lodge in Hasbrouck Heights has been doing this kind of work for more than half a century since it was incorporated in 1955. And, perhaps because of these efforts, the members have held onto a bond that few experience outside of their family.

Dominick Annuzzi, a former district deputy, talks about the camaraderie within the organization.

“I know that I have made friendships in this organization that’ll last a lifetime. And I could call any one of these people, no matter what time of day or night, and ask them to help me and I know they would and I would do the same for them. And that’s what truly makes it a brotherhood.”

The Elks Lodge will be holding its next fundraising dinner on March 12 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. There will be a full course corned beef dinner with music and dancing from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tickets can be reserved by calling 201-288-8838.