The Perry Elks Lodge, number 407, recently gave a large donation that will help area children have a happy holiday.

The Elks presented $500 to the Perry Police Department to go towards the annual “Shop with a Cop” program. Loyal Knight Amber Green said it’s always important to give to the community, but it’s especially true during this time of year. She added, while it’s a wonderful thing to have a spirit of giving, it can cause many people a large amount of worry. It’s because of that, she said, the Elks found it important to help the “Shop with a Cop” promotion continue to bring under-priveleged children the means to provide gifts for their families.

Since its founding in 1898, the Perry Elks Lodge has donated or given back to the community over $3.9 million. During the last year alone, they’ve donated $11,000 to different projects.