Photo Provided Rose Durant, from left, Peggy Cusick, Rose Moodie, Frank Papini and Tom Cusick, members of the Ohio River Valley Elks No. 231, participate in civic activities to honor veterans this week.

MARTINS FERRY — The Ohio River Valley Elks No. 231 honored veterans throughout the past week in a big way.

On Saturday, the Elks served a full turkey dinner that was free for veterans. All of the food was donated and covered by cash contributions of members who prepared, served and cleaned up for over 105 attendees.

The ORV members solicited hygiene items from local schools, and St. Mary Central, Martins Ferry, and Bellaire Middle School responded generously. Also participating were the Martins Ferry City School District, which contributed $500 toward the effort. Items were sorted and packed into individual gift bags and delivered to over 60 veterans on Monday in five different nursing homes.

In addition, a Freedom Grant from the Elks National Foundation enabled the Elks to purchase hoodies, pajamas, slippers and haircut vouchers for veterans in two Steubenville nursing homes. Members pictured delivered the gifts and hygiene items and thanked our veterans for their service.

For more information about the Elks and becoming a member, call 740-633-2059 or email elks231@gmail.com.