Although Covid has kept the Bristol Elks mostly closed since March, the Lodge has continued to support local causes throughout. This is thanks to the many members who donated to their favorite charity when dues were paid last April, Lodge investments for specific charities and fund-raisers conducted in previous years, as well as grants from the national office.

The Lodge’s largest program, Bristol County Elks “East Bay Cares,” was established in 2008. Since its inception, the Lodge has given out more than $350,000 in food items to the community.  From the start of the pandemic in March 2020, they have still have been able to provide more than $30,000 in food items — donated to food pantries in Bristol, Warren, Barrington, East Providence, Portsmouth and Newport, including the East Bay Food Pantry, Good Neighbors, St. Mary’s Church Bristol, St. Joseph’s Newport, and St. Anthony’s Portsmouth.

The program also provides food items to needy families through local police departments, especially the Bristol Police. Their Broadway-Merrill Elks Raffles are vital to raising funds for the East Bay Cares Program and also helps families in need with aid during a fire or sickness.

Donations to Newport Hospital for Breast Cancer Testing ($1,200), scholarships to Roger Williams University ($2,000), and funding for the Bristol Police Comfort Dog “Brody” ($4,700) are all causes supported due to the charitable works by many Elks members and volunteers throughout the year. The Lodge has also issued several college scholarships, totaling more than $5,000, since March.

The Veterans Committee continued its support of the Rhode Island Veterans’ Home, as well as active duty Navy and Coast Guard personnel. The Lodge supports the Mt Hope High School Student of the Month program with a $75 donation to the two students selected by the school each month.

Support is often requested by other groups throughout the year. The most recent were prize money for a fund-raiser conducted by Students Taking Action Against Negative Decisions (STAAND) and a $5,500 donation to the East Bay Community Action Program.

A few of the regular Elks programs have been curtailed by Covid this year, namely the Americanism Essay contest for students in Grades 3 to 6, a Hoop Shoot Contest, a Soccer Shoot Contest and a Special Needs Picnic held each year with all state lodges participating.