Several years ago we started publishing statistics which reflect the generosity of members and their spouses who work so hard to keep our pledge to the veterans of our Armed Forces.

It is with a great deal of pride that the Elks National Veterans Service Commission lists the statistics for the 2007-2008 fraternal year.

Survey of Volunteer Veterans Service Programs for Fraternal Year April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2008

Compiled by the Office of the Grand Secretary

Participants in Programs: 1,158,402

Elks Who Worked 143,750

Helpers 92,460

Combined Total 236,210

Hours Donated:

Elks 725,251

Helpers 340,469

Total Combined Hours 1,065,747

Cash Value of Donated Hours* $20,686,149.00

Miles Traveled: Elks 3,135,079

Helpers 1,439,398

Total Combined Miles 4,574,477

Cash Value of Miles traveled** $2,332,983.00

Contributions:

Cash $3,507,121.00

Non-Cash 4,838,802.00

Hours Worked 20,686,149.00

Miles Traveled 2,332,983.00

Total Contributions $31,365,055.00

*The Federal Government has determined that the cost of work done by charitable organizations like the Elks would average out to $19.41 per hour if performed by social care and government agencies. **Mileage computed at $.51 per mile.

These statistics don’t tell the complete story. A dollar value cannot be attached to the care and love our volunteers put into their work with those who served America in times of peril.

We thank our wonderful volunteers as they continue Serving Our Nation’s Veterans.

— Robert M. Hennings, director, Elks National Veterans Service Commission

Submitted by: Grand Lodge Newsletter