By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Jacob Przybylinski hugged James J. Campbell Tuesday night for giving him a Dell laptop computer.
Campbell, of Lawton, is executive director of the Michigan Elks Major Project, a program for special needs children.
Jacob, 13, left Patrick Hamilton Middle School just in time to open the new Dowagiac Middle School - much to the envy of his stepmother, Jane, who attended Central.
Her husband, Tom, grew up in Buchanan. The family, including Jacob's two younger brothers, lived in Niles before moving to Dowagiac two years ago.
Jacob sings in choir, wants to play basketball and is interested in getting involved with community theater at the Beckwith.
Jacob is certainly not imposing any limits as he ponders his future, dreaming big dreams of designing video games, driving for NASCAR or being a doctor or a chemist.
As state director until he retires May 26, Campbell coordinates 72 Michigan lodges.
The board of directors will be interviewing five candidates to succeed him at the fall convention in Sault Ste. Marie.
Past Exalted Ruler Dave Scott chairs special needs projects for Dowagiac Elks Lodge 889.
A camp near Lapeer caters to children with arthritis.
Other camps specialize in cancer and diabetes.
Scott said Dowagiac Elks generate Major Project funds through &#8221365 banks,“; purple cartons placed around the lodge so coins can be deposited in them every day.
Jacob's laptop, including a printer and carrying case, would normally cost $866.
Patrick Hamilton teacher Steve Morrison, who belongs to the Elks in Niles, suggested the local lodge might be able to help Jacob.
Campbell said the Elks try to stay in contact with the LCISD and special education teachers to help identify needs.
The Elks undertake such projects &#8221when we're asked,“; Scott said. &#8221This is our second case this year, but we didn't have any last year.“;
With the exception of the federal government, Campbell said the Elks nationwide is the largest contributor of college scholarships.