Hillsboro Elks Lodge #361 recently made a $2,000 donation to Area 937 Community Outreach and is holding a food drive this month to benefit the food pantry.

Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the Church Of The Nazarene on U.S. Route 50 in Hillsboro, the Hillsboro Church of Christ on Walnut Street, People’s Bank on Harry Sauner Road and at First State Bank on Careytown Road.

“We were surprised to get a call from Steve Newby of the Elks Lodge last month advising us that they will be doing a food drive on behalf of Area 937 during the month of May,” said Chuck Aurigema, president and executive director of Area 937. “… As an independent 501c3 nonprofit, we rely on business and community support. Area 937 is a 100% volunteer organization with 37 volunteers dedicated to serving our clients. Go to area937.org for assistance and for those who wish to volunteer.”

The Hillsboro Elks Lodge was founded in 1897, and Newby’s great-great-grandfather, judge Cyrus Newby, was a founding member. Steve Newby’s father is also a member.

“The Elks Grand Lodge received a $20,000 donation around 1920 and started the Elks National Foundation. None of that money or any money ever donated has been spent. They only spend what the fund has made. It is worth about $900 million,” Steve Newby, grant coordinator for the local Elks, said in a message to Aurigema. “Our members donate to the foundation every year. This allows us to apply for grants like the one we received for the food pantry. Our lodge does many different projects throughout the year to help others. It is our pleasure to have the food drive and secure the grant to assist your pantry. We are a non-profit organization as you are.”