Playing cards for veterans is a program that goes hand in hand with our "Adopt-A-Veteran" Program. This activity will give a hospitalized veteran something to do rather than just passively sitting and watching television. These cards can also be distributed with your comfort care kits. They also can be a part of any activity for our veterans or active-service men and women. Through the dedicated and hard work of Brother Tom Jamison of Beardstown, Ill. Lodge No. 1007, who has made arrangements with several riverboats and casinos, we are able to offer playing cards for our hospitalized veterans to use. Last year we distributed over 40,000 decks of playing cards to our veterans, valued at more than $80,000. With the help of Elks volunteers, their spouses, family and friends, each deck of cards is checked to make sure all cards are in good condition and the deck is complete. After the decks are checked, a "Playing Cards for Veterans" sticker with the logo of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission is placed on each deck of cards. These cards are free of charge! To get free playing cards for our veterans, send your request on Lodge letterhead to:

Tom Jamison, Chairman
Playing Cards for Veterans Program
12102 Chandlerville Road
Beardstown IL 62618-7679