Elks Bring Christmas Spirit to Special Needs Kids and Adults

Here's one to warm your heart-strings. The Elks have been saving money from their weekly bingo games to buy presents for children with special needs.

Here are the details as sent in by club spokesman Hal Mattson:

Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) volunteers treated approximately 200 special kids, special adults and their caretakers to an early Christmas.

Fifteen of the “Special Guests” entered the Elks Lodge main room in wheelchairs with several assisted by walkers or their caretakers – but all came with their best Christmas smiles and apparel. After lunch, the Special Guests invaded the floor to dance and sing to musical entertainment donated by Larry and Irene Stephens. Elroy the Elk, Past Exalted Ruler Paul Shelor of Santa Ana Elks Lodge No. 794, danced and mingled with many of the Special Guests.

The arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus’ caused quite a stir! For Santa arrived in his new toy, a hot rod given to him by Mrs. Clause. All Special Guests individually met with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each receiving back packs filled with Christmas gifts. And each Special Guest left with an individual photo of themselves with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Gifts were provided by the Elks Lodge members through its charity bingo operation.

The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge No. 2444, celebrating forty one (41) years of service to the Saddleback Valley communities, is one of ten lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 143 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”