The Waynedale News

About 2 months ago Associated Churches wrote letters to the food bank congregations informing them that the postman's collection which usually lasts through October, ran out in August.

Fort Wayne Elks Lodge #155 announced that this shrinking lodge had been chosen by the Elks National Foundation to be the recipient of a $2000 matching grant if they could establish a fundraiser for a local charity.

Three of the members of St. Matthew's, who are members of the Elks, suggested that the lodge help out the food bank. As the lodge had been forced to sell off their golf course and lodge building which included a bowling alley they had very little money left, however they voted to donate $1000 for the project and try to raise another $1000. A committee contacted all the local bowling centers allowing the Elks to put in collection boxes for food, 50/50 drawings and a bake sale.

When it became apparent the Elks were not going to be able to raise the second $1000 by themselves, the Waynedale Lions Club, also a dwindling service organization, who had in the past donated extra fruit to St. Matthew's and several hundred dollars to the various food banks at Christmas, was contacted. They voted to donate $1000 so the Elks could obtain the matching funds for the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County Food Bank.