RIVERIDGE — Vancouver Elks No. 823 recently donated 2,100 stuffed animals to children and patients at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver and separately donated Welcome Home kits to local veterans. All stuffed animals have been donated by Elk members, and about 75 get taken to the hospital per month. The program was started about 2 1/2 years ago “on an idea to just brighten someone’s day,” according to a news release. Lodge No. 823 also broke its previous record of number of Welcome Home kits donated to local veterans, having given out 127 kits. Kits go to veterans who are currently homeless but are moving into permanent housing. Kits may include household items, bedding, towels, cooking utensils, silverware, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and other items. “Without some of these items, they might not be able to get their feet on the ground and start their new life. It gives them a sense of ownership, independence and security that they haven’t felt in a very long time,” the news release said. Those interested in helping local veterans or donating toys, which must be new, visit the lodge, located at 11605 S.E. McGillivray Blvd., Vancouver.
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