EAST BRUNSWICK – Members of various committees of the East Brunswick Elks are working together to provide clothing to veterans in need.
Lodge No. 2370 was selected to receive the 2015-16 Freedom Grant of $2,000 from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. Elks members decided to use the funds to purchase clothing for the “Dress Our Vets” project.
The Budget Committee went through the current clothing lists provided by the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park and the Lyons campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System to price check and organize a purposeful shopping list in order to remain within the grant budget and to stay within the guidelines provided by both establishments, according to a statement prepared by the Elks. Members also figured out how many packages or baskets would be needed for delivery purposes.
The Shopping Committee purchased all clothing items approved by the Budget Committee. They will also purchase baskets, clear wrapping and ribbon to use when assembling the clothing items.
The Delivery Committee will be divided into two so that the gift baskets will arrive at the Menlo Park and Lyons campuses on the same day or week. They will also be responsible for taking pictures and listing the name, rank and branch of each veteran who receives a package.
The Reporting Committee will then help organize, arrange and present all phases of the “Dress Our Vets” project at a lodge meeting. They will also help complete the Freedom Grant Final Report and submit news article for the public to be aware of our community involvement.