Pat Cox
Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge #2815 Dictionary Project Chairperson Joyce Garcia distributed dictionaries to third-grade students at Casa Christian, Copper Creek, Immaculate Heart and Mesa Verde elementary schools in Oro Valley. Joyce personally purchased 300 dictionaries for distribution to these students and to the Roadrunner Elementary students, who will receive their dictionaries at the Christmas party following their shopping spree.
The Dictionary Project was founded in 1995 by a South Carolina teacher, Mary French. Her sole mission was to distribute dictionaries to as many third-grade students as possible. In 2002, the project was expanded to 12 states along the eastern seaboard, including New York. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks proudly joined in the effort and now provides dictionaries to third-graders in all 50 states.