Beacon Elks Lodge #1493 have been distributing dictionaries to students for years. It’s that time of year for the gift to be given again. The Beacon Elks Lodge #1493 distributed dictionaries to three Fishkill-area elementary schools on December 13, 2023.

More than 215 dictionaries were distributed between Fishkill, Fishkill Plains, and Gayhead Elementary Schools. The Beacon Elks purchased the dictionaries using an Elks National Foundation’s Gratitude Grant. This grant ranges between $2,000-$2,500 and offers an opportunity for local Elks to think about how best to serve their community and make it stronger.

“We used this Gratitude Grant to advance education in our community,” said Jennifer Velez, Exalted Ruler, Beacon Elks Lodge #1493. “Since April 2023, we’ve provided dictionaries for students in Beacon City, Wappingers Central, and Haldane School Districts.

For more information on the Beacon Elks Youth Activities Committee or community service and outreach, contact Robert K. Lanier, Public Relations Chair.

Pictured Above:
Fishkill Elementary Students; Ashley Lebit, teacher; Cathy Oken, Youth Activities Chair; and Jeanine McAuley, Esteemed Loyal Knight. Not pictured are Carl Oken, Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, and Scott Birkler, Past Exalted Ruler, who helped with the dictionary distribution.