Vancouver Elks Lodge #823 reaches out to its members as well as the Clark County community during stay-at-home order
VANCOUVER — In this time of uncertainty and “shelter at home” for Clark County residents during the coronavirus pandemic, Vancouver Elks Lodge #823 leaders and members have been reaching out to all 696 members to do wellness checks.
The organization compiled a phone list of all members and had 18 people call roughly 38 members each.
“Our overall goal was to just see how everyone was doing, to see if they were healthy and if they needed anything such as food or supplies,’’ said Ali Iskenderian, PR co-chairman for the Vancouver Elks Lodge. “We had a few questions that we asked just to verify their information with our records, their address, email and the best way to contact them.
“We reconnected as a team through Zoom a few days later after most of us called from our lists and found that the consensus of members were so grateful to hear from us, that we cared enough to call to check in on them,’’ Iskenderian said. “Many said they were in good health and self-sufficient and some offered their services if we found anyone that did need help.’’
Iskenderian shared the unfortunate news that the Vancouver Elks Lodge have had three members die to COVID-19.
“We recently lost three of our members due to COVID-19,’’ Iskenderian said. “Please send your prayers to their families as we grieve their loss. They will be greatly missed in our lodge. They are gone, but not forgotten.
“In our efforts to call out to our members, we hope that you reach out to your family members and people that are close to you,’’ Iskenderian said. “A simple phone call goes a long way.’’
The Vancouver Elks Lodge has also done its part to contribute to the community during the pandemic.
“At our lodge, we have many supplies such as food and paper products,’’ Iskenderian said. “We have partnered with the community by donating 14 turkeys, a case of peanut butter and a flat of assorted breads to Open House Ministries.
“Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle recommended Vancouver Elks #823 to Jeff Paul who is with IITRN (In It Together RN) who work with both nursing and retirement homes,’’ Iskenderian added. “IITRN recently picked up just over 1,300 rolls of toilet paper at our lodge. It was much appreciated.’’
