Elks donate to 'Let's Bee Safe'

Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elk Lodge No. 2855 recently presented a check for $1,500 to the Manatee County School District’s “Let’s Bee Safe” program.

Dawn Allen, coordinator of community involvement for the district, received the check. Money will be used to provide the entire first grade at Freedom Elementary School with books and bee puppets.

The “Let’s Bee Safe” program empowers children to talk with adults about possible child abuse by letting the child “talk” through puppets.

Several members of the Elks will visit Freedom to read the books to students later this spring.

Additionally, Elks and their guests raised $2,838 in cash and pledges for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund during a Jan. 27 fundraiser. The trust funds the Elks’ two major state projects benefiting children.

For information about the Elks, call 727-2855.