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During the last three years, Illinois Elks lodges have brought products and assembled more than 2,500 care packages for the brave men and women overseas. The Illinois State Elks Association has also paid over $20,000 in postage to ship these packages. The IEA will continue this effort this year during their upcoming State meeting in January of 2010.

Illinois Elks will again pack treats and other products for Illinois Guard and Reserve Units in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each Lodge is asked to bring a specific quantity of a specific item. During the Mid-Winter State meeting, Elks volunteers sort and assemble the packages for our troops. The effort starts early in the morning and continues all day until completion. The caring attitude exhibited by the members, spouses, children, and significant others is very heartwarming. It is not uncommon to see members working between meetings or all day, if their time permits.

This project was initiated by Paul Ronzani, Past State President (2005-2006) and has been brought forward by each State President since its inception.

This is another example of how much the Elks of Illinois support their country and future veterans.