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Letter: Hide tanning time

Well, it’s that time of year again where Elks around the country ask hunters to donate the hides of animals they harvest during hunting season. The hides we collect are sent to tanneries to have them turned into leather, and after that they are made into gloves for disabled vets who need them to protect their hands due to having to use wheelchairs or crutches.

Some of the leather is also used for leather pouches for wheelchairs, smaller utility pouches, I.D. badge holders, and craft kits that are used for occupational and recreational therapy. Many fine pieces of arts and crafts have come from these kits.

The best part of this program: This is given to the vets free of charge. All costs, after the Elks receive the hides, are borne by the Elks Association. This is something not budgeted by the Veterans Administration and therefore would not be available if not for this amazing program.



So if you are a hunter, or know a hunter, we would appreciate the donation of any animal hides collected during hunting season. We accept elk, deer, antelope, pig, sheep and cattle hides. Last year the Colorado Elks Association collected over 1,400 hides. Here locally we collected over 100. I think we can beat that this year, so help me get the word out.

Please, if you want to donate to this cause, hides must be brought to an Elks Lodge or contact me for a pickup. Any barrels or other drop-offs are not part of this program.



If you have any questions, need more information, or want to help with the collection, salting or transporting of hides to the Denver area, please contact me at 970-948-9127 or at team-regan@hotmail.com.

Thank you for your past and continued support of this important program.

Tom Regan

Colorado Elks Association Veterans Leather Committee


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