Located at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hamilton Place, the Knights of Columbus is an international fraternal benefit society dedicated to mutual aid and assistance of the sick, disabled and needy. The Nutley order accepts clothing donations for women.
The Elks are a fraternal organization founded in 1868, although the organization had previously existed under the name of Jolly Corks. The first lodge was formed in New York City.
The local lodge is focused on Maplewood and Irvington as well as South Orange and hosts a pancake breakfast every second Sunday of the month. Other fundraising events include a golf outing in July and a pig roast in September.
Funds go toward sponsoring handicapped children at Elks Camp Moore, giving scholarships, and donating to charities like the Our Lady of Sorrows food pantry.
The Elks have a house on Prospect Street with a parking lot at the back. They have a meeting every other Monday. The bar is open to members on Monday and Friday nights.
The Exalted Ruler is James F. Walsh, Jr.; the secretary is Robert Donnelly. There are about 190 members.
Boys & Girls Clubs is a non-profit youth empowerment organization providing a variety of education and character enrichment programs. Similar to the main location in the West Ward, the South Ward clubhouse organizes a number of workshops and activities that promote physical health, leadership development and cultural awareness. Its services range from after-school education and workshops during the school year to a summer camp. Enrollment in after-school programs costs $15, and is payable by cash or money order.
The Ramapo Valley Knights of Columbus was founded in 1966. The Council works closely with Our Lady of Perpetual Help R.C. Church and the community of Oakland. In addition to helping to provide funds for various projects, the members are also active participants in the parish and community it serves.
The newly renovated hall, which seats up to 135 people, is available for rental. Tables and chairs are included in the rental, and the hall has a serviceable kitchen with stove, microwave and a refrigerator. For more information, please call or visit the Web site.
VFW Post 6650 has a membership of about 250 and is open daily. Members help community charities, lobby for VA benefits and receive business discounts from various stores. Other benefits include life insurance and home loans.
The post has a small free parking lot behind the building at 15th Street and Bay Avenue.
Hightstown Elks Lodge is a community organization and a non profit group comprised of members of the Hightstown-East Windsor region who all share a common desire to help others in the area. The group works with many organizations and helps the community through service activities including the Boy Scout scholarship program, drug awareness program, youth sports sponsorships and more. The lodge hall is available for all types of events including birthday parties, weddings and business meetings, with a capacity of 130. The area also has a picnic pavilion capable of holding 450 people under one roof with three acres of lawn as well as playing fields, horseshoes and volleyball areas. Call for rental information or check the site for membership details.
The Belleville Knights of Columbus Chapter 835 is a Roman Catholic service organization comprised of lay Catholic men. The group supports various charitable efforts in Belleville and elsewhere, as well as participating in community events like the St Patrick's Day parade. The Knights also host breakfasts for seminarians and other initiatives in support of Catholic clergy.
