CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Elks Lodge recently hosted its second annual “Beauty in the Beast” contest, raising over $5,000 to provide Christmas gifts and holiday cheer for local veterans and their families. This heartwarming initiative reflects the Lodge’s ongoing commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served the country, especially during the holiday season.
This year’s fundraising efforts allowed the Cullman Elks Lodge to sponsor every veteran residing in all Cullman County nursing homes, along with 18 homebound veterans, ensuring no veteran is forgotten this Christmas. In total, 68 senior veterans from Hanceville Nursing Home, Woodland Nursing Home, Folsom Center, Cullman Health and Rehab, Monarch Place and Gentiva Home Health and Hospice will receive personalized Christmas gifts. Volunteers from the Elks Lodge will also personally deliver these gifts, spending time with each veteran to share moments of joy and human connection.
“Our senior veterans deserve to feel seen, valued, and appreciated — especially during the holidays,” said Jessica Atchley, project coordinator. “Delivering gifts and spending time with them allows us to give back in a personal and meaningful way.”
The Elks Lodge’s generosity didn’t stop there. In partnership with Toys for Tots, the Lodge also provided Christmas gifts for five veteran families, including 27 children. Each child received a thoughtful collection of presents, and special gifts were included for their parents as well, ensuring the entire family feels the holiday spirit. This year, the initiative supported individuals ranging in age from newborn to 99 years old.
“Knowing we were able to make Christmas special for so many people — from infants to our senior veterans — is a powerful reminder of the good we can accomplish together,” Atchley said. “This year, we were able to touch the lives of 102 individuals, and every single one of them matters.”
The Lodge said the overwhelming success of the “Beauty in the Beast” contest would not have been possible without the generosity of the community, event participants and supporters who believe in the power of giving back.
