The Toms River Elks Lodge #1875, affectionately known as "The Friendly Lodge," continues its long-standing tradition of community service and vibrant social life in Ocean County, New Jersey. As of late 2025, the lodge remains a central pillar for local veterans, youth, and families, actively hosting a robust calendar of events and dedicated programs that underscore its commitment to the area. Located strategically at 600 Washington Avenue, the lodge serves as a welcoming hub, bridging the gap between philanthropic work and a lively, engaging membership experience for the Jersey Shore community.
For those looking for the most current information, the lodge is not just a historical institution but a dynamic organization with fresh initiatives and key upcoming dates, including holiday celebrations and new annual traditions. The focus for the 2025/2026 season is clearly on expanding community outreach, particularly through its widely recognized scholarship and drug awareness programs, while simultaneously offering top-tier facilities for members and public events. The commitment of Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 to the Southeast District of New Jersey ensures its role as a major regional force for good remains strong.
The Friendly Lodge Profile: Membership, Location, and Facilities
Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 stands out as one of the eleven lodges in the Southeast District of New Jersey, which is notably the largest district in the state. Its primary mission is deeply rooted in serving its members and the broader community of Toms River and its surrounding areas, with a dedication that extends to the state and national levels of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE).
Essential Lodge Details
- Official Name: Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 – The Friendly Lodge
- Address: 600 Washington Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753 (located near Clifton Avenue and Washington Street).
- Contact: Lodge phone number is 732-349-9660.
- District: Southeast District of New Jersey.
Premier Facilities for Members and Guests
The lodge is well-equipped to host a variety of social and charitable functions, making it a popular destination for members and a key venue for the local community. The facilities are designed to foster camaraderie and support large-scale events.
- Indoor Lounge: A comfortable and welcoming space for members to socialize year-round.
- Outdoor Tiki Bar: A unique, seasonal amenity that provides a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the Jersey shore weather.
- Hall/Catering Services: The lodge offers a dedicated hall and catering services, making it an ideal location for private events, weddings, and community fundraisers.
Membership is open to individuals sponsored by any Elks member in good standing from any lodge across the country, requiring two additional Elks to serve as references. This process ensures a strong, vetted, and committed membership base.
Upcoming Events and New Annual Traditions (2025/2026)
The Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 maintains a dynamic calendar, with recent and upcoming events showcasing its commitment to engaging the community and its members. These events are crucial for fundraising and fostering the "Friendly Lodge" spirit.
Key Dates and Celebrations
- Brunch With Santa (December 2025): A festive, family-friendly event scheduled for December 13, 2025, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. This annual tradition is a highlight for local families during the holiday season.
- New Years Brunch (January 2026): A celebratory event to kick off the new year, scheduled for January 4, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
- First Annual Car Show: The lodge has recently launched its first annual Car Show, demonstrating an expansion of its event types to appeal to a wider range of community interests.
- Holiday Inn Murder Mystery Night: A recent example of the lodge's diverse social programming, offering a unique, festive night of mystery, food, and holiday cheer for a fee.
These events, along with regular internal communications published in the "Elk's Talk Bulletin" (a monthly digital publication), keep the membership informed and active.
Commitment to the Community: Programs for Youth, Veterans, and Families
The core identity of the Toms River Elks Lodge is its unwavering dedication to philanthropic causes. The lodge is a key community-focused organization, channeling its efforts into supporting local initiatives, veterans, youth, and families through various established programs.
Scholarship and Youth Empowerment
A major focus of the Toms River Elks is the youth in the community. The lodge is committed to providing financial support for educational pursuits.
- Scholarship Programs: The lodge actively provides scholarships to local students, helping to ease the financial burden of higher education and investing directly in the future of the community.
- Youth Involvement: Beyond scholarships, the lodge supports various youth activities and programs, ensuring the younger generation has positive community engagement opportunities.
Drug Awareness Program
One of the Elks' most impactful national and local initiatives is the Drug Awareness Program. Since 1982, the Elks have developed a highly effective, community-based drug-prevention program.
- Community Partnership: The program is a collaborative effort, partnering with national organizations like the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
- Local Implementation: The Toms River Lodge actively implements this program, offering resources and educational materials to local schools and families to combat substance abuse in the community.
Support for Veterans
Supporting veterans and military families is a cornerstone of the BPOE mission, and the Toms River Lodge is no exception. The lodge is dedicated to providing services and support to those who have served.
The lodge’s central location at the Jersey Shore, being about an hour from both Philadelphia and New York City, makes it a convenient and ideal meeting point for regional efforts and a welcoming spot for traveling Elks members. The continued success of Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 is a testament to the power of a dedicated fraternal organization to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of its neighbors, veterans, and youth, ensuring its legacy remains strong well into 2026 and beyond.
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