A Jefferson non-profit organization recently awarded grants to other Greene County non-profits.

The Jefferson Elks Lodge #2306 received a Beacon Grant of $5,500, which $3,000 went to Elderbridge Agency on Aging/Congregate Meals of Greene County and $2,500 went to the food pantry, Greene County Action Resource Center. The Gratitude Grant for $2,500 went to the Greene County Ram Readers program, where elementary students receive four free books throughout the school year. Elks member Joyce Fister talks about the Ram Readers program and the importance it plays in their organization.

“The Ram Reader program also kind of became a special project for one of our members who had passed away a couple of years ago. He really loved that program. He was writing grants prior to me and that was Russ Johnson. It’s kind of a special program to for us to be able to give money to.”

Fister explains why the Elks continue to give back in ways, such as providing needed funding for community organizations.

“We want them to know that’s what we are here for. Our philanthropic endeavors is what we want to do. We are a non-profit organization. The most important thing for us that we work for is for our veterans, for our youth and for our elderly.”

The checks were given to each organization last week.