Program helps veterans

The Little River Elks have partnered again with the United Methodist Church Armed Services Assistance Program (ASAP). This program provides about $110 worth of food monthly to needy veterans in Horry County. Currently, there are from 52 to 63 veterans that participate in this food distribution program. It takes about $480 to support one veteran for one year. This vital program is essential to these veterans who can barely sustain themselves from month to month.

The Little River Elks have a strong veterans support group to assist those veterans to have a better quality of life. The Elks motto is “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them”.

Following are some little known facts about the Elks: On June 14, 1907, the Order of Elks held a Flag Day observance. The tradition later was declared a national holiday by President Harry Truman.

During World War I the Elks funded and equipped the first two field hospitals in France The Elks built a 500 bed rehabilitation hospital in Boston, Mass., which they turned over to the Federal Government.

This later became the first VA Hospital. In 1919 the Elks established the first “G.I” loan program. There are many other facts too numerous to mention in this article.

If you would like to donate to the Little River Elks Veterans Committee, contact David Straka at 843-877-2548.