Severna Park Elks Donated Stuffed Animals To First Responders

With a community grant, the Severna Park Elks Lodge purchased and distributed 300 stuffed elks to the Anne Arundel County police, fire and sheriff’s departments over the summer. The Severna Park Elks club also bought 100 stuffed elks to promote the lodge at future events.

“The goal is to provide a comforting and morale-boosting gift to children who may be anxious or scared when first responders respond to their homes,” said Severna Park Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Andre Denault. “Our goal was to help these young people who were in a difficult situation and potentially enhance community relations.”

The stuffed elks are also meant to offer a tangible token of appreciation to police, fire and sheriff's department personnel.

“This project represents a thoughtful and appreciative gesture toward our first responders and the people they serve,” Denault said. “Several of them have indicated they think it has a greater impact on the parents, who really appreciate the thoughtfulness to help their children. We hope we can make this an annual activity.”