Since its inception in 1899, the Towson Elks Lodge #469 has supported a variety of programs and services for veterans, children, and youth through the Charitable Contributions Committee, Scholarships Committee, Veterans Service Committee, and Youth Activities Committee. These include:
- Annual Thanksgiving feast for veterans at the lodge
- Holiday gifts and supplies for veterans in hospitals and shelters
- Annual Flag Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances
- College scholarships for deserving high school seniors
- Financial support for various youth sports programs
- Hoop Shoot for local youth
- Gifts and donations for families in need at Christmas
- Donations to organizations serving children, families, and veterans
In recent years, the Charitable Contributions Committee has donated the largest amount of funds in lodge history and has donated approximately 500 hours of volunteer service per year in the community, which is expected to increase by 10% each year.
In 2005, the Towson Elks Lodge #469 founded the Towson Elks 469 Charity Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, to expand its support to veterans and children. It is a separate legal entity, independent of the lodge, with its own Board of Directors.
With proceeds from the 2024 Wine and Dine for Warriors event, the Charity Fund committed funds to start two new programs, Army of Hope, providing emergency assistance to veterans facing financial difficulties, and Welcome Home, which provides a bed, kitchenware, linens, and other household necessities for veterans getting settled in permanent housing after experiencing homelessness. These programs began in 2025.
For more information about these programs, please visit the Veterans page.