HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ARE THE NEW JERSEY STATE
ELKS ASSOCIATION MAJOR PROJECT
At a hotel in Trenton this committee was founded with the purpose of
establishing such activities that would bring light, sunshine and
happiness into the lives and hearts of the afflicted.
Many years have passed since the birth of this movement, "helping
handicapped children to help themselves"
which was inaugurated by the Elks of the State of New Jersey. We as
successors of our founders have carried on this great humanitarian
work. We try to direct the lives of handicapped children away from the
drab existence of being left out, which had been their lot, and into
the channels where love, happiness, and contentment are found.
The Elks of New Jersey are dedicated to the objectives of service as
described in our slogan, "helping handicapped children to help
themselves," and as stated in our articles of incorporation, to
wit:
"....For handicapped children under the age of nineteen,
who are lame or who have lost, totally or partially, or who do not or
who have never enjoyed the use of their limb or limbs, or by reason of
some other physical disability, have lost , totally or partially , or
who do not or who have never enjoyed the use of their limb or limbs, or
who are otherwise physically infirm or mentally retarded."
Please use the following e-mail addresses for more information:
State
Handicapped Children's Committee Chairman
HandicappedChildren@njelks.org
State Office
njhcchq@gmail.com
Director Elks
Camp Moore
Todd Garmer
ECM Emergency Contact Phone Numbers
Winter:
609-396-2088
Summer: 973-835-1542
I’m Glad Somebody Helps
WHAT A WEALTH OF MEANING THERE IS
IN THOSE WORDS
We,
as Elks, have continually taken a great deal of pride in talking about
our Handicapped Children’s Committee’s works. However deeds are always
better than words therefore we must practice what we preach. We can do
this best by seeing to it that any handicapped child needing help in
any community in our state is cared for by the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. Our aim is to help them become
self-sustaining and useful citizens so that in the future they may
enjoy a happy and normal life.
Our work means scarifies of time,
patience, understanding, love of neighbor, and a deep respect of our
beloved Order. Surely, if each one would keep those thoughts in mind
and continually strive to improve the work we have been doing, then it
is reasonable to assume that handicapped children will continue to
utter the words of our beautiful slogan: "I’m glad somebody
cares."
The
Elk Lodges of New Jersey provide advice and assistance for the caring
of Handicapped Children of every race, color, and creed. More than 88
Handicapped Children have received college scholarships. Over
2400 children participate in the Poster Contest every year. Each year
the Elks select four Area Poster
Children.
The Elks maintain clinics, hiring competent nurses, therapists,
pediatricians, psychologists, teachers, etc. to help restore children
with disabilities. Operations are provided where necessary. Equipment,
such as crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, etc. are
furnished. Artificial limbs, braces, special shoes, hearing aids, are
also furnished. Elk's Camp Moore provides Handicapped
Children outdoor camping experience that would otherwise not be
available.