The Cedar Hill Elks will hold a membership drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Elks Lodge, 8430 Industrial Drive, in Cedar Hill.
Elks member Miky Balta said the event will offer a great opportunity to those interested in community service to learn about the Elks lodge and its groups.
At the drive, the Elks groups will set up informational booths, and Elks members will present information about some of the history of the lodge and the group’s community impact.
“For those who want to be involved in the community, this is a good group to join,” Balta said. “It would also be good for us to grow. Unfortunately, some of our members pass away or move out of the area.”
Balta said the lodge has more than 300 members, but many of them are not active in the lodge’s service groups.
She also said if the lodge recruits even one person to join during the membership drive, it would be considered a success.
“Each new member matters a lot,” she said. “This membership drive will really help us, I’m sure. Last year was tragic for us, we lost a lot of members to COVID complications and age-related things. Your age doesn’t really matter as long as you’re willing to be hands-on with us.”
Balta said potential members must be at least 21 to apply.
The lodge organizes several regular service projects for the local community, including a scholarship fund, Christmas toy basket drive and a mobile dental care unit, she said.
Balta said the lodge is “totally family-oriented,” and many of the member events are geared toward children.
The lodge holds an annual Easter egg hunt and regularly schedules outdoor movie nights.
One of the biggest events the Cedar Hill Elks puts on every year is a free dinner for veterans and active military members and their spouses on Veterans Day. The lodge also provides a meal and a special gift for veterans and active military members. Last year, the gift was a hat with a personalized logo.
Even more important than paying annual membership dues, Balta said the lodge needs active members to help organize community events and service projects.
“It’s not about what the membership pay; what we’re trying to do is have the hands to volunteer,” Balta said. “We’re not forcing anyone to volunteer, so it’s all about how you feel and what’s in your heart to do.”
For more information about applying, call the lodge at 636-285-3074.