OCALA, FL (352today.com) – An organization that has been a proud member of the community for decades and has placed an emphasis on giving back to area charities, celebrated their 130th anniversary July 12, 2025, as the Ocala Elks Lodge #286 continues to impact lives.

Elks Lodge no. 286 has raised more than $6.3 million for area charities.

Among the organizations that they have worked with are Veterans Helping Veterans USA, The Ritz, Interfaith Emergency Services, Arnette House, Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Tin Can, Stirrups and Strides and they also help sponsor the Big Sun Soccer League. The Elks hold a Christmas party at the lodge for the kids at the Arnette House and recently passed out water at the Marion County PTSD Walk.

The members of the organization will go out shopping collectively as a group, as a team building exercise, they’ll serve hot meals and donate items to food pantries in the area.

“We get grants’, and we raise money from our national organization,” said David T. Clayton, Ocala Elks Lodge no. 286 exalted ruler. “We also volunteer our time. We give back to our community.”

Clayton’s father has been an Elk for 44 years and he grew up in the organization, with many at the lodge being long time members. There are two programs that are statewide and are far reaching providing critical services for children.

“The partners in the community, and that’s how we can find the right audience, and get our resources,” said Clayton. “On a state level, we have a 408-acre youth camp in Eustis. All of the lodges in the state help raise money for that. We don’t take money from the government. It’s all money that we have raised. It’s a wonderful program. Our other big program is our Florida Elks Children Therapy Services, which is a fleet of on the road vans all across the state. We take occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy to children who haven’t been able to get that because of financial reasons. It’s all money that we have raised collectively as a state organization.”

Women have made a significant difference to the organization. The Elks were a group composed entirely of men up until about 10 years ago, said Dan Hicks, who has been a member of Elks Lodge no. 286 for 55 years, and is the current chairman of the board for Elks Lodge no. 286.

The Ocala Elks Lodge no. 286 has had two women serve in the capacity as exalted ruler. It’s also the Ocala Ladies Elks Organization, who serves as the auxiliary unit, 25th anniversary.

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