Rockville Elks Donate $5,000 Worth of Gift Cards for Back to School Clothing for Vernon Children
VERNON, Connecticut – The Rockville Elks Lodge has donated $5,000 worth of gift cards to the Town of Vernon for distribution to local families to purchase back to school clothing. The cards are distributed by the Vernon Social Services Department.
The Social Services Department has already received donations of $3,500 worth of gift cards from the community and $1,000 worth from the Salvation Army.
For nearly 20 years, the community has generously contributed to assist Vernon families with back to school clothing. In past years donors often helped families shop for clothing. Last year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program transitioned to gift cards donated to the Town and then distributed to families.
In 2020, the families of 71 students in kindergarten through eighth grade received nearly $7,000 worth of gift cards.
“Vernon residents can always be counted on to assist those in our community who need a hand. This is who we are,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “The Rockville Elks consistently step up when they see a need and help make Vernon the special place it is.”
With the donation from the Rockville Elks, more children will have new clothes to begin the new school year.
For families already struggling to make ends meet, providing new clothing for the start of school can be a hardship. Children who are dressed well and feel good about themselves have the confidence they need to do well in school.
“Having nearly $10,000 to assist families with back to school clothing will go a long way toward meeting the need,” said Matt Hellman, Vernon’s Director of Social Services. “We often have children on the waiting list and new families arriving in town who need assistance. This generous gift from the Rockville Elks will be a great help to families and to many children in our community.”
“Charity and brotherly love are among the founding principles of the Elks,” said Dennis Cartier, the president of Rockville Elks Lodge No. 1359. “Nationally, the Elks donate $208 million a year to community-minded programs and we are proud to be able to make this contribution to families in Vernon.”
Additional gift card donations are welcome and can be mailed to Vernon Social Services, Town Hall, 14 Park Place, Vernon, CT 06066. They can also be dropped off at the Social Services office at Town Hall during business hours.