RIVERRIDGE — Vancouver Elks Lodge No. 823 on March 18 installed officers for 2025-26. Exalted Ruler Stephen Hansen and officers will take over the duties April 1. While not the oldest fraternal organization, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, established in 1868, is active in the community. Vancouver Lodge No. 823 provides assistance to children through scholarships and school supplies; helps veterans through events at the Vancouver Veterans Affairs campus; provides household items to those moving into permanent housing; and works with the Scouts and the Washington State Elks Associations major project, the Washington Elks Therapy Program. Through the program the Elks provide, at no cost to the family, in-home occupational and physical therapy. The officers of the lodge, besides running meetings, see that the needs of these efforts are met through the year.