Submitted
As hurricane Irma bore down on our friends in Florida, many fled west into Baldwin County. Officials here opened the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale as a hurricane shelter. Ultimately, about 350 evacuees entered the facility.
Led by Exalted Ruler Al Rose of Gulf Coast Lodge 2782 in Foley, the officers decided to contribute 100 $20 Walmart gift cards to be used by the evacuees. These versatile gift cards can be used for anything from personal care items to fuel for their vehicles. The Walmart clerk patiently spent nearly an hour validating the 100 cards. Al Rose, Vicki Brendemuhl and Robert Herrin watched as the cards were validated, and Robert and Al collected the receipt.
After completing the validation process, the ELK Officers drove to the shelter and presented the gift cards to officials. Stories of, “He only has the clothes on his back,” were heard. The shelter officials expressed their gratitude for the ELK’s assistance.