The Perry Elks Lodge recently made a couple of donations to organizations that are typically in need this time of year.

Travis Landgrebe with the Perry Elks tells Raccoon Valley Radio every year they apply for grant funds through the Elks National Foundation. He says they received $4,000 from the Beacon Grant and the Elks chose to donate $1,600 to the Perry Emergency Food Pantry with plans to contribute the rest, but periodically throughout the holiday season.

The other grant was a $2,000 Spotlight Grant, which the first $500 was given to the Perry High School for its Backpack Program. Landgrebe says this program helps provide snacks at home for kids, typically on the weekends, who otherwise may not have the means to do so. Likewise with the Beacon Grant, Landgrebe says they will also supplement the rest of the Spotlight Grant as needs arise throughout the school year.

Landgrebe adds both of these programs are vital to helping less fortunate kids and families, which he believes continues to be on the rise every year.