Missoula Elks Lodge Announces Winter Clothing Distribution, Youth Basketball Competition

MISSOULA — The Missoula “Hell Gate” Elks Lodge #383 will host two community events in early November, continuing the organization’s multi-year commitment to local youth support.

On Wednesday, November 5, at 12 p.m., lodge members will distribute $14,000 worth of warm clothing to school counselors from all Missoula County Public Schools at Sentinel High School Building B. The “Warmth for Winter” kids clothing drive represents the lodge’s fourth consecutive year supporting local students, with total donations exceeding $38,000 over that period.

The clothing distribution directly supports MCPS counselors, who serve as the network for getting warm apparel to students who need it most.

“The Lodge will distribute $14,000 worth of warm clothing to the counselors of all MCPS schools,” said Dave Elmore, secretary for the Missoula “Hell Gate” Elks Lodge #383.

Three days later, on Saturday, November 8, the lodge will host the Elks National Hoop Shoot at Big Sky High School’s main gym. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with competition starting at 10 a.m.

The basketball free-throw competition, which has operated for more than 50 years, offers participants a pathway to the National Finals in Chicago, scheduled for April 16-19, 2026. Local competitors have found recent success on the national stage, with three participants from the Missoula lodge advancing to national competition over the past two years.

The Hoop Shoot competition is open to youth in specific age divisions, with winners advancing through regional and state levels before potentially reaching Chicago.

Both events demonstrate the lodge’s ongoing investment in Missoula’s youth, addressing both basic needs through the clothing drive and recreational opportunities through the basketball competition.

For more information about the Hoop Shoot competition, visit elks.org/hoopshoot.