Duarte and Arcadia Elks Lodges Empower Over 41,000 Students with Dictionaries in California

Since 2006, the Duarte Elks Lodge #1427 and Arcadia Elks Lodge #2025, both based in California, have partnered with The Dictionary Project to promote literacy across the Mountain View School District. Over the past 18 years, their combined efforts have provided more than 41,400 dictionaries to third grade students—equipping each child with a valuable tool to strengthen reading, vocabulary, and learning.

In a public message of appreciation, the Mountain View School District (MVSD) recently shared the following on Facebook:

“Thank you to the Duarte Elks Lodge #1427 and Arcadia Elks Lodge #2025 for providing every 3rd grader in the District with a free Dictionary. As part of the Elks’ Dictionary Project, MVSD’s 3rd graders have been receiving free dictionaries for over a decade. MVSD greatly appreciates the generosity and partnership of the Duarte Elks and their commitment to support our students and schools.”

The impact of this long-standing literacy program goes beyond the classroom. These dictionaries often serve as one of the first personal books students own, inspiring pride and curiosity in young learners.

The Duarte and Arcadia Elks’ continued dedication exemplifies how local community organizations can shape academic success by investing in early education. Their work highlights the enduring value of printed reference tools in today’s digital age—especially for students whose families may lack access to such educational resources at home.