Skip to main content
B.P.O.E. • Phoenix Lodge #335 “Elks Care, Elks Share.”

Calling All Elves! Shopping Spree Season Opens November 1

Submitted by Linda Thompson, Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree Chair

Volunteers at a previous Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree

Pictured: volunteers at a previous Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree.

It’s time to get busy shopping for the many deserving children in our Phoenix neighborhood who need a little help this year through the Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree program.

Shopping begins around November 1 for children from four local Veterans’ organizations. Shoppers use a JC Penney gift card supplied by the Elks to shop from each child’s list, then return the clothing purchases to Linda Thompson for distribution.

The big day of shopping alongside the kids — children from Paradise Valley Unified Schools and the Lodge’s own referral children — is Monday, December 7 at 3:30 p.m. at the Paradise Valley JC Penney. Members who would like to help, either shopping on their own or shopping with a child on December 7, can find sign-up sheets at the front desk or contact Linda Thompson at (307) 421-4683. It is an experience shoppers tend to sign up for again the following year.

The committee also has a thank-you to deliver. The Senior Delinquent Party was a fun afternoon of yummy treats and plenty of prizes for guests, and a great way to recognize the program’s generous donors — especially Sylvia Carruthers, the committee’s tireless fundraiser, who has brought in almost $3,000 so far this year to help many children have a brighter holiday.

Thank you to everyone whose donations made the event possible. Donations to the Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree can be made at the Lodge any time — just ask the bartender.

Originally published in the November 2026 Tracks newsletter of Phoenix Elks Lodge #335. Read the full issue (PDF).

← Back to News