ABOUT

ELKS CARE, ELKS SHARE.

Elks have been around for over 150 years.

As Elks, we invest in our communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life for all citizens.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE) was founded on the cardinal principles of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. Since its inception in the late 1800’s, the BPOE has grown into one of the most respected organizations in the United States, and since the early 1900’s, the Massachusetts Elks Association and its members have been proud to represent this organization.

There are over 1,700 lodges throughout the U.S. with over a million members nationally.

As Elks We:

  • Pledge to Patriotism:
    • Annual Flag Day Ceremonies.
    • Endless, evolving support for our Veterans.
  • Educate our Youth:
    • Literacy Program.
    • Drug Awareness Program.
    • Athletic Contests – Elks’ Hoop Shoot & Soccer Shoot.
  • Encourage giving within our communities:
    • MA Elks Scholarships.
    • Charitable giving through volunteerism and monetary donations.
  • Exciting Activities for Members, that help support charitabe works:
    • Golf, Darts, Pool, Cornhole, & Card Tournaments.
    • Motorcycle Runs.
    • Worcester Red Sox Outtings.
  • And so much more!

Since 1868, millions and millions of

Americans have joined the Elks.

We are your Local MA Elks Lodges.

Members

Lodges

BPOE Mission

To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.

Major Community Programs & Initiatives

  1. Literacy & Education Support
  • Dictionary Project: Since 2004, MA Elks have participated in this nationwide initiative, donating dictionaries to third-grade students to boost literacy skills. Nationally, over 1.2 million dictionaries have been distributed across six years.
  1. Helping Children in Need
  • Build-A-Bed (with A Bed for Every Child): In collaboration with this nonprofit, MA Elks host area-wide “Build-A-Bed” events—where volunteers assemble beds for children lacking basic sleeping arrangements. These events include decorating the beds and collecting bedding and stuffed animal donations. The 2024 events were highly successful, with more scheduled across areas in fall 2025.
  1. Youth & Sporting Events
  • Elks Hoop Shoot: A long-running free-throw shooting contest for kids aged 8–13. The state-level shoot was hosted at the Maynard/Clinton Lodge in February 2025, following local and district rounds, with winners progressing to regional and national competitions.
  • Soccer Shoot: Youth aged 4–13 compete to score goals in local, district, and state-level shoots. The 2025 state shoot is scheduled for October at Hudson Lodge, with regional shoots planned for November.
  1. Healthy Living & Walk Events
  • Walk for the Elks National Foundation (ENF): The MA Elks sponsor a multi-area walk each year to raise funds for ENF. The 26th annual Walk is slated for September 2025 across three regions, each including a luncheon and donor recognition via T-shirt sponsorships.
  1. Community Engagement & Social Events
  • Billiards – State Pool Tournament: A fun competition among Elks members, bringing people together while supporting community through proceeds and sponsorship. The 2025 event featured 26 teams and was hosted by Worcester’s Shooters Bar & Billiards.
  • Family Outing: A lively event featuring games (sack races, pie-eating contests), live music, animal shows, and a BBQ—designed for families to enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled day. The 2025 outing was hosted at Billerica Elks Lodge.
  • WOO Sox Night with Worcester Red Sox: A social night out with dinner, game attendance, and fireworks—an opportunity for fellowship among members and community. The 2025 event took place at Polar Park in Worcester.
  1. Commemorative & Memorial Services
  • Elk on the Trail: MA Elks’ only state-level veteran memorial program. The 2025 ceremony was held June 21 at Whitcomb Summit (Florida, MA), followed by a dinner. It offers a solemn, respectful setting to honor deceased veterans.
  1. Media, Recognition & Local Legacy
  • Through their Press & Media page, MA Elks showcase community news—highlighting events like Build-A-Bed at Auburn Lodge, youth achievements (Hoop Shoot and Soccer Shoot winners), and centennial celebrations such as “The Elk on the Trail.”

Highlights at a Glance

Program Category Activities & Impact
Youth & Education Dictionary donations, Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot
Child Welfare Build-A-Bed events providing beds and bedding to children
Health & Social Events Walks supporting ENF, Billiards Tournament, Family Outing
Social Engagement WOO Sox baseball outings, community dinners and entertainment
Memorial & Ceremonial Elk on the Trail veteran memorial services
Public Awareness Local and lodge-level media features, recognition of member and youth achievements

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It’s a Great Time to be an Elk!

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