Sanford Elks “Teen Support” Program: Helping Teens in Need

At the Sanford Elks, we’ve long believed that “teens are kids too.” While many organizations focus on supporting younger children, we recognize that high school students face unique challenges. That’s why we proudly offer our Teen Support program, dedicated to providing shoes, cleats, school supplies, Christmas presents, and other essentials for teenagers in need.

This program directly benefits high school students from two local schools in Sanford. We work closely with guidance counselors, coaches, and religious education teachers to identify students facing financial difficulties. The Sanford Elks never use third-party organizations to administer the program—our efforts are completely local and rely on the cooperation of school staff and community partners.

Addressing Growing Needs in Our Community

Lee County, North Carolina, is home to a population of 66,000, with a poverty rate of 18.5%. Within our local high school population of 2,010 students, 38% qualify for free or reduced lunch, signaling a significant need for support. Teens are often the most expensive members of a household to clothe and equip for school and extracurricular activities. The challenges brought on by inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs have made it even harder for families to meet their children’s basic needs.

The Sanford Elks step in where other programs leave off. We purchase the necessary items for students—whether shoes, school supplies, or other specific needs that may arise throughout the year. Our program ensures that teenagers won’t go without, whether it’s during the holidays or when their families are struggling financially. We do not give cash; instead, we buy the items directly or provide gift cards for specific stores where students can select what they need.

Our Local Impact and Involvement

As the only organization in Lee County supporting high school students in this way, the Sanford Elks play a vital role in helping families get back on their feet. Every year, our members rally together to ensure these teens have access to the resources they need. Participation from the community grows year after year, and our efforts are widely recognized in Sanford.

The distribution process is managed with care. After working with school counselors and teachers to identify needs, our shopping committee purchases requested items. These are then distributed by the school staff. In addition to supporting students in need, our program serves as a learning opportunity for high schoolers, teaching them how to organize, fund, and run charitable projects.

Building a Tradition of Support

Over the past nine years, the Sanford Elks, with assistance from the Elks National Foundation, have built a strong tradition of giving. We’re proud of the success and positive impact of this program on our local teenagers. Through the generosity of our members, we help ensure that no teen in our community has to feel left out due to financial hardship.

This year, we will again provide essential items like shoes, socks, school supplies, tablets, calculators, and sports equipment. By meeting the needs of local teens, we help level the playing field and create opportunities for them to thrive both academically and socially. We want every teenager in Sanford to have what they need to succeed, and we’re dedicated to continuing this important work for years to come.

We thank our members, volunteers, and community partners for their ongoing support and commitment to making this program a success. Together, we are helping teens not only survive, but thrive.

Elks member Katlynn Roberts (far right), presents Christmas presents to the Southern Lee County School counselors which will be given to identified students in need.

Elks members Jeremy Stack (cap) and Chanda Coomer, Past Exalted Ruler (orange vest) present Christmas presents to the Lee County High School counselors which will be given to identified students in need.

Eddie Brannan, Past Exalted Ruler (red shirt) presents Kindle Fire Tables to the staff at the NC Jaycee Burn Center.