I am the chairperson for the Special Needs Children's Committee for Lakewood Elks Lodge No. 1432 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

The Elks main mission is to help special needs children and youth and to support our veterans. This past summer several Elks friends, my husband, Roger, and I had the privilege of visiting Elks Camp Moore, our state Elks project. We cooked lunch for the special needs campers and their staff.

The Elks refer to Camp Moore as the Miracle on the Mountain, located in the heart of the Ramapo Mountains in Haskell. They accept any special needs child regardless of their handicap. Each Elks lodge in New Jersey donates their time and money to operate the camp.

The camp is composed of over 18 air-conditioned modern buildings. Each building is handicapped-accessible. These consist of dormitories, dining hall, kitchen, arts and crafts area, music room and a large heated wheelchair accessible swimming pool. This year our lodge was able to send six children to the camp at no cost to their parents. These camperships not only benefit the children, but their parents and guardians who have been dealt a more difficult hand than most of us.

Throughout the year our lodge sponsors many events that benefit these special children. On Feb. 3 we will hold our annual charity ball to raise money to support our special needs children's programs. We will invite several of these special needs children and special needs young adults and parents to a wonderful formal ball, something most of them have never experienced.

On Jan. 27 we will hold our lodge's charity auction to raise money to support our special needs children's programs throughout the year.

Donations of merchandise or gift certificates for the gift auction are appreciated. Advertising space is still available in the charity ball journal. Anyone interested in donating to or participating in these events may call (732) 367-3397.

Lynn Parkhurst

Special Needs

Children's Committee

Lakewood Lodge No. 1432

Lakewood