If you can’t give a million, be part of a million that gives, says Elizabeth Wood, the former state president of the Montana State Elks Association. 

At the Elks Lodge in Kalispell, that’s what it's all about, she adds.  

“It’s all based around wanting to improve our community and being a part of our community,” Wood, an Elk of 28 years, said. “And you’re joining a family that’s bigger than you. Everywhere you go, across the country, there is an Elks Lodge.”    

The fraternal order and charitable organization has a focus on helping the community’s youth, veterans and neighbors in need with a focus on patriotism and education.  

With nearly 2,000 lodges across the United States, the organization was founded “to promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity,” according to its website.  

The Kalispell Elks moved into its downtown location two years ago after decades in South Kalispell. Now not far off Main Street, members look forward to continuing to help the community while hoping to grow membership.

The first Elks Lodge was created in 1868 in New York City by 15 young actors.  

The Kalispell chapter, officially called the Kalispell Elks Lodge No. 725 Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, was instituted on Sept. 9, 1901, with 48 original chapter members. Today the chapter has nearly 300 members, a number that fluctuates year by year.  

From gathering school supplies and donating backpacks to granting veterans scholarships at Flathead Valley Community College, the Elks give individuals direction to do good with others.  

“It's an established place you can go where your efforts are multiplied,” said Fred Zeglin, the current president of the Kalispell chapter. 

The order spends more than $80 million a year supporting educational and patriotic community-minded programs in fields like scholarships, veterans work and a national “Hoop Shoot” free-throw contest that draws in over 3 million children across the country. 

Statewide, the Montana State Elks Association is working toward a major state project, providing grants to assist rural fire departments in purchasing tools and equipment and fulfilling training. The Kalispell Elks will host fundraisers for the effort throughout the year. 

There are 26 other lodges across the state that are all raising money for the cause.  

On a local level, the Elks are a family. The lodge is a safe space, Zeglin said. From playing games at the Columbia Falls Montana Veterans Home, donating to the Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry, supporting kids going through the Future Farmers of America program and focusing on expanding music programs in middle and elementary schools.  

“We feel good, our membership is going in a positive direction. They like what we’re about. As Elks, we’re all about our youth, our veterans and our neighbors in need,” Wood said.  

The lodge is aiming to increase its membership in the coming years, especially with younger generations.  

The downtown location on First Avenue West boasts a formal lounge and bar, event area and outdoor seating area. Open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and closed on Mondays, the space is often occupied by Elks members playing games, sharing a meal or grabbing a beer. 

“This gives us the space where we can be a community, a family,” Wood said.  

While the lodge is members-only, patrons are encouraged to stop by to learn about the organization. It also hosts events open to the public, like Mother’s Day brunch, weekly trivia nights and more.  

“What we love about this downtown location... we get people up to the door, it's a chance to talk to people about who we are,” Wood said. “If someone looking for an avenue to give back to the community and be a part of the community, we’re a great option.” 

To learn more, visit Elks.org. Joining the fraternal order costs $114 a year with a small initiation fee.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].