Elks “Hoop Shoot® continues to provide a competitive basketball free-throw contest for more than three million boys and girls ages 8-13 every year.This program, adopted by the Grand Lodge in 1970, has developed into one of the nation’s largest and most recognized youth activities. Each Lodge must continue to provide this opportunity for the young people in its community. The Elks’ involvement with youth provides our nation with a positive and wholesome image of our Order. This image can be projected through strong Public Relations. The program passed the 100 millionparticipant milestone and is recognized at center court of the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. A 10-year agreement requiring a $200,000 commitment from our Order has made this possible with the support of you, the Members. It is imperative to enlighten the public to the good works for our youth, and our presence at the Hall of Fame give the Elks that opportunity.
We must continue to reach out in every community to assure that all boys and girls have the opportunity to participate in this worthwhile program. Each Lodge Committee must send announcements to the schools, recreation departments and local media announcing the time and place of your contest. Also be sure to follow up with a press release announcing the winners.This will also enhance your Lodge’s community image, expose you to many new potential Members and demonstrate that "Elks Care — Elks Share."
Led by our Elks National Veterans Service Commission, the Order has long enjoyed a rewarding relationship with our Nation’s Veterans. Since 1946, our promise to all our Veterans and their families has been and continues to be “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” We have faithfully kept this promise and continue to do so.
The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Our young people are subjected to many influences, some of which are negative and unwholesome. An important contribution to communities is to provide positive experiences for our youth. 
Elks are proud Americans who have always been proud to display and honor the Flag of our Country.