The Elks and Disaster Relief
In, 1871 a fire devastated the city of Chicago, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks quickly organized
and staged a benefit to provide financial assistance to residents most affected by the disaster. Since then, the Order has
responded to every major catastrophe and played a leading role in providing relief and comfort.
To this day, the Elks have maintained a partnership with the American Red Cross and developed similar partnerships with
other relief agencies. Most recently, the Order raised more than $230,000 to help families victimized in the Oklahoma City
bombing.
In times of crisis, it has long been a pattern for the Order of Elks to ease the pain of others by providing the necessary
relief.
