Brandon Lodge #238 Continues Supporting their Community!

 

Brandon Lodge #2383 has partnered and supported Nativity Catholic Church Food Pantry for more years than they can even remember.  It is a partnership that has thrived over the years as both the Elks and Nativity Food Pantry have like goals, supporting the community.  The Nativity Food Bank has 70 food pantries and street ministries throughout Hillsborough County that they supply food, produce, meat and household items weekly.  They serve over 300 families monthly. 

 

The Brandon Elks has continually supported this Food Pantry by reoccurring food donations from various food drives and member donations.  Recently (winter 2026) the lodge was able to make a substantial donation at a time that their shelves were dwindling.

 

The Elks National Foundation awarded  Brandon Lodge a $6,000 Beacon Grant, as well as a $4,000 Spotlight Grant and a $4,000 matching grant from the Florida Elks HAIF.  A total of $14,000 from these combined Grants was used to purchase over 4 tons of food that was donated to restock the shelves of the Nativity Food Pantry Dover location.

 

Due to the size of the combined Grants, the purchasing of the food required 4 separate shopping excursions by Lodge members, as well as 4 separate deliveries to the Food Pantry.

 

Julie Ebert, Nativity Food Pantry Manager and BLOE Past Lady President said the donation could not have come at a better time, as of late they have experienced lower volume of food donations, and the community need continues to rise.

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