Elks give van to VA Nursing Center
When state officials dedicated a new nursing home for veterans and their spouses last week, they also welcomed a special gift from the Elks of North Carolina.
Members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks donated a $33,000 van equipped to handle patients with any physical disabilities.
"This contribution is in keeping with the Elks' longstanding support of veterans who have served in our military services," Ray Paradowski, a trustee of Salisbury Elks Lodge 699, wrote in a letter to the Post.
"The Elks have as their motto, 'So long as there are veterans in our hospitals, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks will never forget them.' "
Gov. Mike Easley came to Salisbury to dedicate the state's second Veterans Nursing Home, which will operate in Building 10 at the Hefner VA Nursing Center on Brenner Avenue.
Don Stout, a member of the local Elks lodge, said the donated van is equipped to handle wheelchairs and other disabilities.
Lodges around the state spent the past year raising money to buy the van. Stout said the Elks also raised money to support the state's first Veterans Nursing Home, located in Fayetteville.
A number of Elks officials attended the Salisbury dedication ceremony with Easley, including Gerald Coates, past grand exalted ruler, and Pat Russell, a member of the board of directors.
Officials of the Salisbury lodge also attended, including Secretary Mike Jones, Exalted Ruler Mike Davis, Leading Knight Bob Sce and N.C. West Central District Deputy Jim Hill.
In his letter, Paradowski noted that Salisbury Elks provide entertainment monthly at the Hefner VA, special events at the Elks' property on High Rock Lake and a "major variety show" each January.
The lodge also has donated televisions and other items to the Hefner VA for veterans' use.