FULTON – Oswego Elks Lodge -21 continued its tradition of giving back to the community by donating to the Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) Nutrition Services Program.
Over the years, the Elks have secured grants from the National Elks Foundation which have benefited a number of local organizations. âWhen we receive the grants, we look for groups and organizations that help meet the needs that exist in our community. OCO’s nutrition services provide food to hundreds of hungry families and individuals. Supporting their efforts is a good fit for us, âsaid Lodge Secretary Lolly Malone.
Elk members Bill and Mary Kerfien purchased a variety of shelf-stable foods and volunteers sorted the food and assembled 550 baskets to help fill the shelves in OCO’s pantry. In addition, the Oswego Elks Lodge donated funds to purchase fresh meat products.
âIt was a pleasant surprise for us,â said Lori Halstead, OCO Nutrition Services Coordinator. âThe Oswego Elks Lodge -21 has been very generous with us over the years and we greatly appreciate their care and concern for the members of our community. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen increased demand for our services. Donations from benevolent organizations such as the Oswego Elks help us meet this demand. “