Kingfisher Elks Lodge is continuing to use its resources to benefit local students and the elderly during times of need.

The lodge recently distributed $3,500 among five school districts and another $2,000 to Kingfisher Meals on Wheels.

The presentations were recently made by Elks officers to representatives of the school districts and Meals on Wheels at the Kingfisher lodge.

Receiving $700 grants from the lodge were Cashion, Crescent, Dover, Hennessey and Lomega schools.

The Elks requested the money be used to supply necessities for students in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On behalf of the Elks, we’re so proud to be able to help support the students of our local schools,” said Kingfisher Elks Exalted Ruler Dennis Mueggenborg.

“These have been tough times on everyone and some more than others. We just wanted to do our part to ensure students have ample food these times.”

To secure the funds for local students and Meals on Wheels, the lodge applied for and received a Beacon Grant through the Elks National Foundation Community Investment Program.

It’s the second time in less than six months the local lodge has earned grants through its national foundation and benefited locals schools and students.

The lodge also presented Kingfisher Public Schools with $2,500 last fall through a Gratitude Grant. A portion of those funds were deposited into the district’s Guardian Angel Account, which is used for similar purposes.

Local residents who rely on Meals on Wheels were also beneficiaries of the grant.

Representing Meals on Wheels (MOW) at the presentation was Director Sheila Thomas.

“Meals on Wheels would like to thank the Elks Lodge for their generous donation,” Thomas said. “MOW does not receive any government assistance, so we are constantly looking for ways to fund our program. The Kingfisher community has been so faithful to support this program.

“With this donation we will be able to continue serving the senior citizens of our community a hot, healthy meal.”

Representing the school districts were: Juliette Lentz, high school administrative assistant at Lomega; Bart Watkins, Crescent superintendent; Lynda Riedlinger, seventh and eighth grade English teacher at Cashion; Rondi Andrews, student services director at Dover; and Barry Crosswhite, Hennessey Elementary principal.

Among those joining Mueggenborg in representing the Elks were: Brenda Keene, treasurer; Angie Phillips, lodge manager; and Roy Homier, trustee and Northwest District vice president.