The Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge #1738 received a grant of $2900 from the Alabama Elks Trust and also from Beacon Grant. The Grant funds along with member donations and fundraiser were used to support continuing Lodge community programs and to initiate new goals for the Lodge’s Outreach Plans for 2025.
January 2025 – The CVEL Grant Committee funded $275 for the purchase of Teddy Bears for five fire stations located within the city of Pelham, Alabama. The bears will ride with the firemen and will be available to distribute to children who are dealing with emotional trauma from a fire, a car accident, or abusive situations. Shown left to right is Fire Chief Mike Reid, Lodge member and Pelham City Council member Maurice Mercer, ER Shannon Hubbard, Trustee Sharon Gaydon, and Deput Fire Chief Chris Carpenter.
January 2025 – The Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge #1738 used a $2000 portion of their Beacon Grant funds to support local charity, Pelham Strong. This Pelham Citizen Group has adopted a variety of programs throughout the year to support needs of the youth and families of Pelham, Alabama. With Beacon Grant money and membership contributions totaling $2400 the Lodge assisted in the funding of Pelham Strong’s Christmas Children’s Drive for local youth who would not be receiving gifts. Pelham Strong worked with the local school counselors to complete the list of needs that included coats, shoes, toys, and games for ages 5-15 years. Members not only provided their personal donations, but also their time and energy to make sure the project goals were achieved. The organization and distribution of gifts were also assisted by Lodge members. This partnership will be a continuing part of Cahaba Valley’s Community Outreach Programs.
Shown in picture left to right: Lodge Member Norma Rogers, Pelham Strong Member Chad Leverett and wife, Melissa, Lodge Secretary Leon Johnston. Also shown is a picture of all volunteers who participated in the preparation of the contributions.
