RENO, Nev. — As members of the Elks U.S.A. from across the nation gathered in Reno, Nev., from July 14 to 18, Melanie Wilson of Newton was installed as district deputy to the Elks national president for the lodges in the northeast district of the Iowa Elks Association. Wilson was installed at the Order’s 149th Elks National Convention where over 7,000 members and guests were present. She will serve a one-year term.
More than 10,000 members belong to 32 Elks lodges in Iowa. Nationally, the Elks give almost $350 million annually in cash, donations in kind and volunteer service. In 2011-2012, for example, the BPO Elks gave $8,500,000 in college scholarships, $8,800,000 to youth programs, and $6.5 million to communities from Community Investment Programs, while veterans’ activities were supported in the amount $40,689,000. The Newton Elks lodge fulfills the Elks’ longstanding commitment to provide help for the disadvantaged and programs for veterans and youth in the community.