"Operation Get Bunked"

With some help from the Elks National Foundation, the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge #351 will build and provide an additional 35 beds for the Valley Mission´s homeless shelter. By building bunk beds and providing bedding, we will increase the shelter's capacity by 60% and provide more room for families.

Elks National Foundation Community Impact Grant

On December 2, 2009. the Elks Nations Foundation (ENF) awarded Staunton Lodge #351 a $10,000 Impact Grant to implement "Operation Get Bunked." "Operation Get Bunked" is a project which was created by the Community Activities Committee of Lodge #351. The project involves working with the Valley Mission to provide materials and labor for the construction and outfitting bunk beds with mattresses, pillows and bed clothes in order to improve the housing arrangements and increase capacity for those less fortunate (single people and families with children) who must use the Valley Mission as their temporary home.

Impact Grants are large, competitive grants intended to help Lodges address unmet needs in communities where Elks live and work. Impact Grants give our Lodge the opportunity to conceptualize, develop and implement a new project or to strengthen an existing one. This year, Lodge # 351 is one of 49 recipients nationwide to receive an Impact Grant. The grants range from $2,500 to $10,000. (Click here to view all Impact Grant Recipients)

"Operation Get Bunked" Milestones

Lodge #351 Communitiy Affairs Committee set the goal of applying for an ENF Community Impact Grant early in the 2009-2010 Lodge year. Committee Chairman G.R. Davis along with fellow committee members Kay McDonough, Linda Phillips, Ida Showker and Susan Wilmer identified and conceptualized "Operation Get Bunked." By mid-summer the grant application package was prepared and submitted.

In mid-January the $10,000 check from ENF was in a dedicated bank account.

Also in mid-January, the lumber for the first two beds was cut and two prototype bunk bed were built. Sturdy is the best description for the prototype beds. A presentation, complete with a sample bed, was made to the Valley Mission board members in late January. Impressed and delighted best describes the board´s response. The presentation was covered by the Staunton News Leader and resulted in a front page article.

In early February a kick-off meeting was held at the lodge for our members. More than 25 members were present to learn about the project and how each could get involved. "Operation Get Bunked" Project Manager G. R. Davis said, "Proud of our lodge best describes my reaction to the turnout and interest in the project." From this meeting several excellent ideas surfaced. Chris Peterson and Tom Karaffa (Staunton Elks and employees at Taylor & Boody Organbuilders, Inc.) offered a significant construction improvement. Simply put, they volunteered to assemble all 70 head/foot boards with mortise and tenon joinery. Thus, 1680 pilot holes and screws will be eliminated and a better built bed will be the result.

Picture on left: Past Exalted Ruler and Project Manager G.R. Davis making presentation to the board of directors of the Valley Mission in January. Picture on right: Lodge Members Jerry Thomas (Blue Ridge Lumber) with Tom Karaffa and Chris Peterson (Taylor & Boody Organ Builders) examine the prototype of the bunk bed assembled for "Operation Get Bunked".

After reading the News Leader's article about "Operation Get Bunked", six members of the Middle River Regional Jail Work Force (MRJWF) eligible for "work release", volunteered to work on the project. Whereas many members were excited to drill some 5000 holes, sand and stain the lumber, MRJWF's major labor contribution to the project was welcomed.

Public relations for the project have were outstanding in February. In addition to the newspaper article, both TV3 and Channel 29 have aired segments dedicated to "Operation Get Bunked."

In late February a final lumber order was placed last week and construction began the first week in March. In early March the pre-cut lumber was delivered to a borrowed factory facility in Augusta Springs, VA. The MRJWF volunteers began their work sanding the lumber for the head and foot boards.

On the weekend of March 6, the lumber to fabricate the head and footboards was delivered to the wood shop at Taylor and Boody Organ Builders for Chris Peterson, Tom Karrafa and Kelley Blanton (Taylor and Boody Organ builders)to assemble the head and footboards with mortise and tenon joinery. After looking at 560 pieces of lumber, Chris Peterson wondered out loud, "Man, why did I open my mouth and volunteer for this? I could have been making overtime today." Chris continued, "But it's the right way to do it and that's the way we do things here. We do things right." Chris and Tom sucked it up and spent long hours on Saturday and Sunday working the project. They finally finished all 70 head and footboards on Tuesday night. The results of their labor were head and footboards with professional, finished appearance that were sturdy and strong. Click here to see more pictures of Tom (below left) and Chris (below right) in action. (Photos courtesy of Robbie Lawson of Taylor and Boody Organ Builders.)

The head and footboards were returned to the Augusta Springs facility where the MRJWF volunteers continued to sand, stain and drill pilot holes in the various bed components. Most of the six MRJWF volunteers were in their forties and early fifties and many had backgrounds in the construction and building trades. All proved to be polite, diligent workers who took an interest in the project and pride in their work. The hours of quality labor they provided took a large load off the members in this labor intensive project. On most days, the lodge provided lunch for the volunteers and they were most appreciative. They claimed that one of their favorite lunches was the burgers and fries combo from Tastee Freeze. Whether the burgers were that good, they were a bad judge of food or simply their taste buds had been burned out is still being debated.

Drawers and lumber during the sanding operation at Augusta Springs facility.

In April, mattresses and pillows for the Beds were ordered from the Virginia Industries for the Blind (VIB) in Charlottesville, VA. VIB is a self-supporting division in the Virginia State government, operating from the revenues generated from sales to state and federal agencies. VIB is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for persons who are blind by providing opportunities for career development. Legally blind individuals contribute at least 75% of the direct labor required to produce the diversified line of products and services. All mattresses pass Virginia and Federal Flammability Standards. In addition, the mattresses can be renovated several times, which greatly extends the expected life of the mattresses.

The donation of linens to outfit the beds made by a large hotel chain was arranged by the Project Manager.

Left: Paul Hively working the assembly line. Right: Project Manager and Past Exalted ruler G.R. Davis (far right) and the Middle Regional Jail Volunteers who spent many long hours sanding, staining and sealing, drilling holes and transporting the lumber a prefabricated beds. View or download more pictures of Assembly Day.

"Operation Get Bunked" successfully concluded with Assembly Day on May 15, 2010 at Valley Mission. On May 14, 2010 with the MRJ Workforce supplying the labor, Raider Campbell supplying the truck and under direction of Project Manager G.R. Davis, the prefabricated bunks were moved from the Augusta Springs facility to Valley Mission for assembly. With this arduous task completed, the stage was set for over twenty Elks to meet at Valley Mission for the final assembly of the bunks. Once again, the Middle River Regional Jail Work Force faithful were on hand to work on the project as well as well as five strapping student volunteers recruited by Kay McDonough's son, Joseph. At 9:00 a.m. the assembly of the bunks commenced in earnest and by 1230 p.m. the Valley Mission residents were gratefully settling in their new bunks in the men's dormitory- a room filled with the pleasant scent of new wood. The working party and the MRJWF adjourned to the Lodge for some well earned lunch. Thanks again to all who participated. View Assembly Day Slide Show. (High speed internet connection recommeded.) View MRRJ Work Force Slide Show.
(High speed internet connection recommeded.)

"Operation Get Bunked" Exemplifies What It Means To Be An Elk.

Starting with a concept by the Lodge #351 Civic Affairs Committee, funded with $10,000 of seed money from the Elks National Foundation and with the donations of time and material by Staunton Elks and other members of the community, Operation Get Bunked will increase the bed capacity at the Valley Mission by almost 60% and will provide more room to accommodate families.

All of the beech lumber and the plywood used in the bed construction was donated by lodge members. Two lodge members donated several days of their time and expertise in milling and assembling all 70 head/footboards with mortise and tendon joinery. The under-bed drawers were fabricated by another lodge member. More lodge members donated transportation for materials, hardware, sandpaper and other construction materials for the bed construction. Six members of the Middle Regional Jail Work Force volunteered to work on the project after reading about the project local newspaper. They provided almost 100% of the labor for sanding, staining and drilling pilot holes on the beds.

The result of all the material donations and efforts of all involved was that the Valley Mission received bunk beds and bedding that would be valued over $30,000 if they would have had to purchase similar quality and quantity in the commercial marketplace.

Our story is long; our work is humble; our history is proud. As long as there are those who need our help, we as Elks will be there to give aid and comfort.

All who have participated in this project exemplify what it means to be an Elk and have the heartfelt gratitude and thanks from Lodge #351 members and the folks at the Valley Mission.

Today, the mission of the Elks National Foundation (ENF) is to help Elks build stronger communities. ENF fulfills this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live and work. ENF provides tomorrow's leaders, our youth, with a healthy beginning; honor the Elks' pledge to never forget our veterans; help the state Elks associations accomplish their charitable objectives; and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.

With the belief that Elks know the needs of their communities better than ENF, ENF launched the Community Investments Program in June 2005. The program's Gratitude Grants, Promise Grants and Impact Grants invest directly in Lodge communities. In 2010-11, the Gratitude Grants and Promise Grants are worth up to $500 each, in order to give Lodges more resources to make an impact locally. Impact Grants, the program's newest component, are larger, competitive grants intended to address unmet needs in Elk communities. This year, the grant pool again will be $500,000. These funds will help Lodges meaningfully and visibly address needs in their communities.

Each year, the Elks National Foundation (ENF) strives to grant more money back to each state than it received from that state in donations. These grants help fund the state Elks associations' major charitable projects. During the 2008-09 Lodge year, the Elks of Virginia donated $89,102.81 to the Elks National Foundation. In 2009-2010 Lodge year, the Foundation will give back to the Virginia Elks Association $163,280.00. That's a $1.83 for every dollar the Foundation received from our state last year.

Valley Mission began its work in September of 1971 with the purpose to help the neediest of our area. Providing shelter and food are Valley Mission´s highest priorities, but they also work to help neighbors who are struggling.

Valley Mission is a non-denominational faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit agency. From day one they have been community supported by donations from individuals, businesses, civic groups, and places of worship.

Valley Mission also operates two Thrift Stores, one in Staunton and a new store in Waynesboro, with 100% of store profits helping to fund the services provided by the Mission.

Services Provided

Shelter
Valley Mission offers shelter to men, women, and families. Capacity is currently 85 beds. The men reside in one large open dormitory, with twin beds. The single women reside in two connecting rooms, with twin bunk beds. We have seven bedrooms for families, with twin beds and cribs if needed.

The dormitories are secured at all times, with staff providing access into the facility. Round the clock staff and security cameras help safeguard all residents so they can better focus on the issues that led to their homelessness.

During weekday business hours the residents leave the shelter to go to work, seek employment, obtain training, attend programs, or anything else required by their service plan. On weekends the residents are permitted to stay in the shelter throughout the day. There is a curfew every day of the week.

Meals
All meals served are open to the community. Some of the meals are provided by churches, synagogues, civic groups and High School groups. Many of the meals are prepared by shelter Food Service staff utilizing donations as well as food purchased by Valley Mission. Valley Mission encourages donations of healthy and fresh foods whenever possible.

Thrift Store Vouchers
Shelter residents can receive vouchers for free needed items at the Mission´s Thrift Store. When they move, needed household items and even furniture will be made available at no cost. Community members may also receive similar vouchers based on financial need.

Chapel Services
Chapel services are held every Sunday at 5p.m. and Thursday at 6:15p.m. All services are open to the public. Shelter residents are encouraged to attend, but not required. With this policy, the attendance rate is still over 90%.

Prescription Assistance
Shelter residents as well as community members may receive assistance with the purchase of needed medications. Availability is monitored and limited.

Utility Assistance
Community members, who qualify for financial aid, may receive limited assistance with a utility payment.

Holiday Food Baskets
Community members, who qualify for financial aid, may receive a Food Basket with all the fixings for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Laundry Facilities
Washers and Dryers are available for resident use, located on the same floor as the dormitories. Soap is made available from donations received.

Personal Grooming Items
Residents receive all needed items for personal hygiene. These items are made available from donations received.

Infant Needs
Infant needs are provided to residents from donations received. When possible we also assist with these needs for community members who qualify for assistance.

School Supplies
School supplies are provided for residents, both children and adults, from donations received.

Case Management Referrals
Valley Mission´s Case Manager works directly with residents in assessing their needs, and then makes referrals to area agencies. Establishing a support network increases the resident´s ability to move from homelessness toward self-sufficiency.

Housing Fund Assistance
As part of a CAPSAW grant, funds to assist with housing costs can be made available to residents as they leave. These funds are directed and monitored by Valley Mission´s Case Manger, who will work to assist residents as they transition into housing.

Spiritual Counseling
Valley Mission provides a full-time Chaplain to offer support to residents on issues of faith. Beginning with a spiritual assessment for each resident, the Chaplain provides guidance and encouragement that can lead to an improved relationship with God and thereby a return to wholeness within.