Applications now available for Elks scholarships

  AUGUSTA - The Elks National Foundation provides more than $3.64 million in college scholarships each year through its three scholarship programs. The application process and deadlines vary for each program. All applications must go through a local Elks Lodge before reaching the Elks National Foundation office. Contact your high school counselor for more information or your local Elks Lodge. There are 22 Elks Lodges in Maine from York to Presque and more information about the order is posted at www.maineelks.org.

   Here is a brief summary of scholarships available.

   Most Valuable Student Scholarships: 500 four-year scholarships, ranging from $1,000 per year to $15,000 per year, for graduating high school seniors based on financial need, leadership and scholarship.

  Legacy Awards: $4,000 ($1,000 year for four years) merit-based scholarships for children and grandchildren of Elks who are members in good standing.

Emergency Educational Grants: One-year educational grants available to children of deceased or totally disabled Elks.

Elks supporting Donate Life America

  AUGUSTA - The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the USA has joined forces with Donate Life America to increase donations of organs, eyes and life-saving tissue.

  The Grand Lodge, Lodge Activities/State Associations Committee is asking Elks Lodges nationwide to promote the Organ Donor Program in their Lodge Bulletins and Lodge Web sites to help inspire members and citizens in their communities to make these life-saving donations.

  The need is paramount. More than 110,000 patients were waiting for organ transplants as of March 2011, according to the Donate life America Web site, www.donatelife.net. Only 28,663 organ transplants had been performed in 2010, and even fewer - 14,502 - organ donations had been made in that year.

  For more information on the importance of donation and how to become a registered donor in your state, click on the Donate Life icon to go to the Donate LifeSM web-site, or by logging onto www.donatelife.net. This is a great way to show that "Elks Give from the Heart."