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Veterans

MA Elks Veterans

Throughout the year the Massachusetts Elks Association, as well as all of the Local Lodges, host many events and fundraisers to help raise money and awareness for the every changing needs of our Veterans and their families.

The Elks National Veterans Service Commission (ENVSC) was established in 1946, immediately after World War II, with the sole mission of serving our nation’s veterans. Though much has changed since then, the Elks’ dedication to serve veterans and military members in need has never wavered. In VA clinics, veterans’ homes, USOs, homeless shelters and more, thousands of Elks volunteers give generously of their time, energy and resources to serve veterans and military members each year.

The Elks are committed to their mission,“So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” The Veterans Service Commission takes that pledge one step further, and promises service to our nation’s veterans and military members, with a special focus on service to those in need.

“So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”

EVERY YEAR ELKS LODGES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS HAVE FUNDRAISERS TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE EVER-CHANGING NEEDS OF OUR VETERANS. 

Across our Commonwealth and country, in hundreds of veteran’s homes and hospitals, tens of thousands of war veterans would live shut away lives, forgotten by their country and countrymen, were it not for such groups as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
The Massachusetts Elks have never forgotten them and never will. 

Founded in 2007, the MA Elks Vets Bike Run Events have been a huge factor in raising funds for our Veterans.

Since its inception, we have raised, $196,811!

100% OF ALL PROCEEDS ARE DIRECTED TO MASSACHUSETTS VETERANS AND HOSPITALS AND VETERANS CHARITIES.

Click Here to Learn About our Vets Motorcycle Run

2024 MA Elks Veterans Motorcycle Run

2024 MA Elks Veterans Motorcycle Run

Some of What Massachusetts Has Done So Far

  1. MA Elks Statewide Veterans Motorcycle Ride & Fundraising

  • Since 2007, the MA Elks have organized an annual Veterans Motorcycle Run to raise funds for veteran-related needs.
  • 100% of the proceeds go directly toward Massachusetts veterans, hospitals, and veteran charities.
  • Over the years, the ride has raised significant sums—nearly $200,000 in total funds raised to date.
  • Beneficiaries include:
    • Home Base
    • Mass VA Summer and Winter Adaptive Olympics for disabled veterans ($35,000)
    • Boston Wounded Vets Run (helping WWII veterans revisit battle sites)
    • Operation Flags for Vets (flag programs for Bourne National Cemetery)
    • And many more

  1. Ongoing Veterans Service Programs via the Veterans Services Committee

The MA Elks Veterans Service Committee carries the national Elks mission—“So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” Their efforts include:

  • Adopt-A-Veteran: Connecting Elks members with veterans in VA facilities, nursing homes, or community centers, offering friendship, visits, and personal support.
  • Welcome Home Kits: Helping formerly homeless veterans transition into permanent housing with essential items.
  • Recreational & Social Events: Organized gatherings at VA facilities and veterans’ homes to bring companionship and fun.
  • Holiday Gift Distributions & Remembrance Programs: Ensuring veterans aren’t forgotten during the holidays.
  • Freedom Grants: Funding local lodge projects targeting veteran employment, homelessness, healthcare, or education.
  • Playing Cards for Veterans: Providing entertainment to hospitalized veterans.
  • Stand Downs: Offering services and supplies to homeless veterans.
  • Volunteer Support at VA Medical Centers: Through Volunteers in Service to Veterans (VAVS) Representatives.

These programs are backed by the Elks National Foundation and the committed work of volunteer members and the state committee.

  1. Local Lodge-Level Efforts Across Massachusetts

Franklin Elks Lodge (#2136)

  • Hosts 5k road races & walks, Oil for Veterans (likely providing heating assistance), motorcycle runs, lunches & dinners, and regular VA hospital visits and donations.
  • In 2024–2025, MA Elks collectively contributed $8+ million in cash, travel, volunteer hours toward community and veteran programs; and Franklin Lodge actively led these efforts.

Northampton Elks Lodge (#997)

  • Organized a “Cruise Night” featuring Corvettes, muscle cars, and rods, with proceeds benefiting the Holyoke Veterans Home and other veteran support organizations.

Lawrence Elks Lodge (#65)

  • Holds an annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner—bringing veterans, active service members, and first responders together for meals, raffles, and camaraderie.
  • Ongoing fundraising efforts help veterans, the homeless, and local students pursuing college.

Auburn Elks Lodge (#2118)

  • Collects donations of food, clothing and toiletries for Veterans in Need through its annual Bravery Box Program. Their Lodge has collected over $25,000 worth of items since 2018.

  1. Broader Elks National Initiatives as Carried Out in Massachusetts

While not exclusive to MA, these national-level veterans programs are implemented here too:

  • Elks National Veterans Service Commission (ENVSC), established in 1946, continues its mission in MA.
  • Adopt-A-Veteran, Freedom Grants, Playing Cards for Veterans, Veterans Remembrance, Re-Creation USA, Army of Hope, and more are part of the Elks’ national veteran services roster.

  1. Highlights Summary

Year / Format Initiative Impact
Since 2007 Annual Veterans Motorcycle Run Raises funds (totaling nearly $200K) for veteran charities and adaptive services.
Ongoing Veterans Services Committee Programs Extensive support: social, housing, entertainment, emergency aid, volunteer involvement.
Local Lodges Franklin, Northampton, Lawrence, Auburn, etc. Run walks, dinners, cruise nights, visits, and fundraising for veterans.
National Elks Programs Adopt-A-Veteran, Freedom Grants, etc. Enhanced by local engagement to serve MA veterans.

Conclusion

The Massachusetts Elks Association and its local lodges have demonstrated a comprehensive, multi-pronged commitment to veterans:

  • Large-scale fundraising through creative events (e.g., motorcycle runs, cruise nights)
  • Personal outreach via fellowship programs (Adopt-A-Veteran, VA visits)
  • Practical assistance with housing, supplies, and emergency support
  • Emotional and social support through meals, entertainment, remembrance events
  • Collaboration with national Elks resources like Freedom Grants, playing cards programs, and more

“When it comes to serving veterans, the Elks have a long and storied tradition of being there when they were needed most. Since we began, the needs of military members and returning veterans have continued to change, and the Elks have adapted to those needs, remaining an ever-present ally to those who have served this country.”
— GRAND LODGE, ENVSC