The Circleville Elks Club has made a donation of $1,500 to the Pickaway County Community Foundation’s Ruth Neff DARE Support Fund – a program that promotes Drug Abuse Resistance Education.
In presenting the check to PCCF, Joe Valone, exalted ruler of the local club, said, “The Elks recognize that our community, like many others around the country, is in a constant battle to combat drug abuse and protect our youth from the pressures of those who would selfishly encourage them to begin using drugs. We hope that this donation will assist our local DARE program in its efforts to provide our youth with drug awareness and prevention education.”
Dan Litzinger, chair of PCCF added, “This support fund was initiated a few years ago through the advocacy and vision of Ruth Neff and supported by her grandchildren and a number of donors. It has permitted in-class instruction in all four school districts of Pickaway County. At the Foundation, we are confident that it has made a difference and will continue to play a key role in fighting an issue that has been destructive to individuals, families and our Pickaway County community. Ruth is considered the founder of DARE in this county, going back to 1990. Her absolute determination to identify ways to counteract the deplorable influences of an ongoing drug culture is a legacy that we all can rally around. We are grateful for the concern and response that this donation from the Elks represents.”
The Circleville Elks donates over $15,000 per year to more than 30 local organizations and for various community functions. Its financial support and volunteer efforts include a wide range of causes such as youth activities and education, assistance for veterans and disabled veterans, the care of individuals with special needs, and foster care, among others. According to Valone, the donation to PCCF’s Ruth DARE Fund “was the result of the local lodge reaching a per member charitable giving goal” and being awarded a ‘Gratitude Grant’ from the Elks National Foundation. “The grants are designated to be used to support local charitable activities” he added.