Lodge Veterans Programs
Elks pledge "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them." The Elks National Veterans Service Commission takes that pledge one step further, and promises service to our nation's veterans and military members, with a special focus on service to those in need.
Thousands of Elks volunteers give generously of their time, energy and resources to serve veterans and military members each day, to ensure that pledge is not an idle one.
The Littleton Elks Lodge Veterans Committee believes in that pledge. We do many events to honor and help our veterans, active-duty troops and first responders.
Vietnam Veterans Day is annually observed on March 29. It commemorates the hardships suffered and sacrifices made by nine million Americans during the Vietnam War. However, the holiday does not only honor the former soldiers but also their families who supported them before and after the war. Our Lodge recognizes these veterans on this day, by handing out thank you gifts, and shaking hands at the Rocky Mountain Region VA Hospital .
Veterans Dinner The Veterans Committee, with help from the Ladies Auxiliary, hosts a dinner for veterans, their families, and friends to pay tribute to all those who have served in our Armed Forces. Veterans eat free on this night of music, speeches, and a chance to toast those who have and are currently serving our country.
Wreaths Across America The National Wreaths Across America Foundation sells wreaths to put on the graves of veterans and their spouses who have served in the Armed Forces at national cemeteries across the nation. Littleton Elks volunteers help in placing the wreaths at Fort Logan National Cemetery before the holidays and remove after the season.
Troops Needs Drives Our generous members and community members have donated more than 100 boxes of food and toiletries for our Food Drives for Troops, 100s of pairs of socks for the Warm Feet for Warriors drive, as well as new and gently used towels for homeless veterans provided by Volunteers of America.
Welcome Home Kits Many homeless veterans move into their homes with nothing. As ELKs we can help these veterans establish their homes by building Welcome Home Kits. Generally, a kit would include some small appliances, kitchenware, bedding, towels, toiletries and cleaning supplies. Items can be new or gently used, donated or purchased. A kit must include a variety of items, it may not include just one of two items. Kits are intended exclusively for veterans exiting homelessness and moving into new homes.
Rolling Thunder is a United States advocacy group that seeks to bring full accountability for prisoners of war and missing in action service members of all U.S. wars. Littleton Lodge 1650 enjoys partnering with Colorado Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 on many events and fund-raising efforts.
The Littleton Elks Veterans Committee meets the first Monday of every month at 6pm. We welcome new members to our committee as well as volunteers for our events.