Guest Column: Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge accepting applicants at reduced fee
Twice a year, the Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge warmly welcomes new applicants to discover all that our community has to offer-now with a significantly reduced application fee! During the months of June and December, those interested in joining the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks can become a member for just $1, instead of the standard $35 fee plus pro-rated yearly dues. It’s the perfect time to join our friendly, caring lodge and find your place among neighbors who are dedicated to making a positive impact.
The local lodge at 5630 Pine Island Road is currently completing construction after sustaining severe damage from Hurricane Ian. Despite these challenges, our dedicated members have continued to focus on enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the Greater Pine Island area. In the past year, the lodge secured $29,000 in grants from the Elks National Foundation and Harry Anna Trust Fund- that made it possible to supply food to the Pine Island Food Pantry, support the Beacon of Hope and Beacon Bites programs, assist seniors through our Senior Housing Project, and provide essential resources to Pine Island Elementary School, Matlacha Hookers, F.I.S.H and furnished the Matlacha Pine Island Fire Department with an Aqua Eye, an underwater sonar rescue device. These efforts highlight the lodge’s ongoing role as a vital resource in the community’s recovery and well-being.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks celebrated its 158th anniversary in February 2026, highlighting over a century and a half of dedication to charity, patriotism, and community service. Founded in 1868 in New York City, the Elks have grown into one of the largest fraternal organizations in the country, with nearly 800,000 members and 1,857 lodges across the United States. The Elks are widely recognized for their extensive charitable work, including scholarships, veterans’ services, and support for community initiatives.
Over the years, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E) has made a considerable impact on communities, contributing more than $12 billion in charitable donations. In the past year alone, they donated an impressive $505 million to support local communities in need.
Key highlights from the last year include:
• $6 million awarded in scholarships to help students achieve their educational aspirations.
• $17 million invested through the Elks Community Investment Program, which focuses on enhancing neighborhoods and supporting vital local initiatives.
• $55 million allocated to veterans’ services, providing essential resources and support to military personnel.
As a symbol of goodwill, the Elks proudly serves veterans, students and communities across the nation. Their impact extends far beyond financial contributions, thanks to the dedication of countless volunteers who invest their time and hearts in hands-on service projects-creating meaningful and lasting change that fills our organization with pride.
We invite you to join the Greater Pine Island Elks-where friendship, service, and community come together. If you’re 21 or older, believe in God, and value making a difference, we’d love to welcome you to our lodge family. To learn more or to become a member, please visit http://www.elks.org or Join.Elks.Org.
As we celebrate this important anniversary, we warmly invite you to become part of our ongoing story of kindness, service, and community spirit. Discover how you can make a difference with us-one community, one family, and one act of kindness at a time. For more information or to get an application, please reach out to our friendly lodge secretary, Donna Stone, at pineislandelks@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you!