Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

The late, great Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes always talked about paying forward.
The Ironton Elks Lodge No. 177 agrees and has opened its check book.
The Elks Lodge put together a $1,500 donation gift to the Ironton Youth Football (IFY) organization for the purchase new equipment such as helmets and shoulder pads.
“Acquiring new equipment and raising funds is an ongoing endeavor for us,” said Ironton Youth Football representative Jason Carter. “We’re very appreciative of the support we received from the Ironton Elks. We’re hopeful that other individuals and community organizations will join the Elks and help us update the helmets, shoulder pads and other gear.”
Interested person may send donations to the Ironton Youth Football League by contacting Carter at (740) 646-6545 or sending a check to 221 Hamilton Street, Coal Grove, OH, 45638.
Elks’ trustee Steve Call has not only been an educator during his career but also coached high school football and understands about the needs for good, safe equipment.
“As a youth sport parent and retired football coach, I’m aware that we need to put player safety first and the role that new equipment plays here,” said Call.
“Properly outfitting a football player is not cheap. Our lodge and the Elks support youth activities and so we were glad to help out.”
This past spring, the Elks Lodge made a donation to purchase new batting cages for the Ironton Little League. Elks Exalted Ruler J.D. Thomas said the organization is committed to helping the youth of the community.
“When people participate in our events, they help increase our charitable giving funds. This allows us to give back to the community with donations like this one,” said Thomas.
“One Elks saying is that Elks Care and Elks Share. The Ironton Elks share locally. I believe that this is something that makes us unique.”
With nearly 900,000 members and more than 2,000 Lodges nationwide, the Elks are a fraternal organization providing charitable services that help build stronger communities across the United States.
The Ironton Elks are always looking for community minded new members. To learn more, contact us the lodge at elks177@gmail.com or call 740.532.1262 after 3pm. Persons can also visit www.elks.org.