Pearl City Elks Lodge Presents Check to CDCE

Ohana open markets are an opportunity for Veterans and active-duty service members to come to our clinic and get cost-free groceries. Shortly before the event began, Pearl City Elks Lodge #2669 came to make a very special donation to VAPIHCS. 

“We’ve been supporting the Ohana Open Market events, the Koa games, and everything VAPIHCS is doing,” said Ret. Navy Veteran and Elks Lodge Leading Knight Leroy Harris. “The Elks Lodge works in the community, and this is part of that; supporting the Veterans of this community with this monetary donation as well as with our support as volunteers.” 

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an organization that was founded in 1868, originally as a social club. Currently, it has more than 750,000 members at 1,928 lodges. The fraternity focuses on community, friendship, and charity as the pillars of their organization. 

“Part of VA’s mission is to ensure that Veterans are able to access necessities,” said VAPIHCS Assistant Director James Ingebredtsen. “Our cooperation with our community partners allows us to distribute food, clothing, and sundries to those who need them. We’ve had an outpouring of support from the community, and it means so much to us. We’re also grateful that those in need are coming to accept the help we have to offer. The Elk’s Lodge has given time to us already at all the Ohana Open Market food distribution events. Now, with this donation, they will help us do so much more.”  

This check for $6,000 was earmarked for Veterans activities. When individuals or groups donate to VA through the CDCE, they can earmark the money for anything they want. They can designate it for food, for Veteran recreation therapy, or for anything else they feel is important. Donations all go through CDCE Chief Schoen Safotu. Safotu also coordinates all volunteers who give their time to support VA events, activities, and operations. 

“It’s a beautiful day to take care of Veterans,” said CDCE Chief Schoen Safotu. “We’re grateful to the Elks for their support, and we’re grateful to all our community partners for the help and support they give us.”

The Pearl City Elks Lodge supports many other community programs, including the Hawaii Special Olympics. VAPIHCS is grateful to all community partners who donate time, money, and resources to help improve the lives of our Veterans. If you would like to volunteer with the CDCE, please contact Schoen Safotu at Schoen.Safotu@va.gov. Opportunities to volunteer include things like greeting Veterans and assisting with wayfinding, working in the Community Living Center (CLC) garden, writing Veteran profiles for the My Life, My Story project, and much more. Anyone can apply to volunteer.