As the holiday season approaches, so does the dread of coming up with gift ideas for your loved ones. Are you tired of giving trinkets or pairs of socks every year? Would you rather give a gift that has the power to change lives? This year, consider giving the gift of a symbolic donation to the ENF.

Symbolic gifts are donations to the ENF that represent the difference your donation makes. By choosing to give a symbolic gift, you can feel good knowing that you are helping build stronger communities.

The symbolic giving program allows you to choose what you want your donation to represent. First, start with our programs: Community Investments, Veterans Service, Scholarships or Hoop Shoot. From there, choose a specific action, like putting Elks volunteers in the field, providing a Welcome Home Kit, covering the cost of a college textbook, or creating trading cards for the Hoop Shoot National Finalists. 

Once you have chosen the cause that you are passionate about, you will have the option to send an e-card to someone you love to let them know that you have given this gift in their honor. If you would rather give a physical card, you can print out the e-card and give it to them that way. No matter what you choose, the recipient of your card will feel good knowing that this gift is making a real difference in someone’s life.

While the power of a donation is reason enough to give, you can rest assured in knowing that every symbolic gift is credited to your personal recognition levels and your Lodge’s per-member giving total, too.

No more socks for Christmas! Feel good about giving gifts this holiday season with our symbolic giving program.

A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Elks National Foundation helps Elks build stronger communities through programs that support youth, serve veterans, and meet needs in areas where Elks live and work. For more information on the ENF, visit elks.org/enf.

George Walters, Lodge ENF Chair