Appleton Elks Lodge #337

Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But for many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, loneliness is a more common and painful experience. Their families can feel lonely too, and feel cut off from support.

Two decades ago, we were introduced to Julia, the beautiful daughter of Jim and Danielle Marks. Since that time, our lodge has not only watched her grow into an amazing young woman, we have been big supporters of the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin - Fox Cities. Today, on this World Down Syndrome Day, we celebrate with all of those families and those that love them.

It is with sorrow that we announce the death of our long time member, Jerry Dircks. Jerry was an Elk for 39 years. He leaves us at age 85. To our absent member...

https://www.greenefuneralhome.net/obituary/jerry-dircks/

Appleton Elks Members recently invited several area groups to an awards ceremony before our monthly meeting. Donations were presented to Pillars, Feeding America, St. Joe's Food Pantry and NAMI Fox Valley.

(Special thank you to Joel Horb Hinze, PDDGER, P.E.R., Trustee for all of his assistance in securing the grant money for these donations. His service and dedication for nearly 3 decades is so valuable to our lodge.)

A group of volunteers from Appleton Lodge were at St. Joseph Food Program, Inc. this week and learned a lot as we helped serve our community. Special thanks to Volunteer Coordinator- Peggy Lynch, their Director of Operations
Scott Schefe and all of the volunteers that make St Joe's work so efficiently.

You can help, too. Find out more at: stjoesfoodprogram.org/volunteer or call (920) 734-9461

Appleton Lodge recently continued their support of the local Downs Syndrome Awareness group by purchasing an AED as well as coordinating CPR training by the Appleton Fire Department. People with Downs Syndrome have a higher incidence of heart failure. With this equipment and training, hopefully more lives are saved. Elks Care, Elks Share!

Congratulations to Emily Swanson who took 4th at today's State Hoop Shoot competition in the 8-9 year old girls category! Appleton Lodge is so proud of her!

Members of Appleton #337 helped clean up after Fox Valley Down Syndrome Awareness Valentines Dance. Always great helping DSA throughout the year! Find out more about the great work Elks do at AppletonElks.org

Welcome to Catherine Rietveld our newest member. Catherine brings our new member total for the year to 11, a 30% increase year over year! If you would like to part of our amazing group of people giving back to our community, go to AppletonElks.org and find out more.

A busy week for Appleton Lodge with lots of Elks caring and sharing in our community. Today was our annual Veterans Christmas Basket handout. Pictured are two of our newest members, Kathleen and Jackie, experiencing what so many of us have come to know and love as the best event we do every year. To find out more or to join our lodge, go to AppletonElks.org

Appleton Lodge's annual Hoop Shoot competition was held this past Monday. Congratulations to all of the kids that participated and to the ones moving on to the District competition...Good Luck! Additionally, on behalf of ER/Hoop Shoot Coordinator Brad Pingel, a big thanks to all of our members and non members that volunteer to make events like this and others a success. We are a better community because of you!

Part of our great Elks crew ringing bells tonight to help the Salvation Army. Elks Care, Elks Share