LETTERS FROM MASONIC ANGEL FUNDS

In this issue, we thought it might be nice to share three letters we received from our constituent Masonic Angel Funds. In some cases we have edited the material to preserve the anonymity of the writers.

From a local MAF trustee - I was notified on Monday that a single Mom with four children had arrived in our town after escaping from a domestic violence problem in another state. They arrived with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. The family applied for and received from the Housing Authority on Tuesday a 3 bedroom house into which they moved yesterday. They did not suspect that the house would be available so quickly and had been living in a one-bedroom apartment with the grandmother since their arrival. Of the 4 children, 3 are in the elementary school and 1 in the middle school. On Tuesday, I received a request for any help with furniture for the family, specifically with beds. When they moved in yesterday, they had an air mattress and blankets. As you know, I talked with you about this situation and I felt that perhaps the MAF could help but the need was so great and the money somewhat limited. Last night I arranged with a local discount furniture store to purchase 4 beds, some mattresses, and a kitchen table with 5 chairs. I bought "sturdy but not purdy" basic furniture to the tune of $558 (the owner himself helped me and gave us 40% off the clearance tags). The family is ecstatic. They still have a need for tables, microwave, dryer, and some other stuff but I felt that the beds and a place for the family to eat together were the highest priority items. My girls came with me to the store and, you know, this is what being a Mason is about. Helping someone who has a need, not to get credit or brownie points, but just to feel good within from doing the right thing. As you again know, I was ready to quit our Lodge because we were doing nothing except meeting once a month and arguing over we should spend $50 for a DeMolay ad. When the MAF came along I saw it as a way to do what Masons should be doing, You don't know how happy I am to be working with MAF!

From one of our MAF's outside Massachusetts - Two small bits of news. First, one of our newest members stepped into the office right after Christmas and presented me with a donation of $750 for the MAF, far and away the biggest donation we have received. Second, we have expanded our coverage to include the Indiana School for the Blind (http://isb.butler.edu/). It is just up the street from our Lodge, and certainly qualifies as being in our neighborhood. The school has 178 students, and almost half of them are on some kind of financial assistance. Their Superintendent was ecstatic when I contacted him about the goals of the Fund, so we shall see if they take us up on it. Anyhow, I made it through my year as Master, with 8 new Masons raised, three transfers in from out of state, and three petitions accepted in December. Not bad for a Lodge that was ready to close, move or merge just a year ago!

From the Charles C. Dame Lodge MAF - Thanks to the generosity and support of the members of Charles C. Dame, our Masonic Angel Fund (MAF) has been able to fund 2 requests from the local High School. The first request was before the holidays where money was given for winter boots for 3 children in a family. The second request was in January where the school guidance head contacted the MAF for assistance to a ninth grader whose family had fallen onto difficult times. A donation there was earmarked for clothing and counseling. This charitable assistance is exactly why the MAF was formed and why our members have been so supportive. As we become known as a resource to school personnel, we can expect more and more requests. Our challenge will be to raise the funds needed to fulfill the requests. In March, part of the proceeds from the lodges White Elephant sale will be earmarked for the MAF. In the fall, the MAF's annual dinner will be another source of monies. And during the year, we hope that many lodge members will be able to send along a donation, as so many did last year when the fund began. You all know who you are and your generosity was and is appreciated. Our hope is that this year affords us all an opportunity to be generous and giving. We are making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. It is a wonderful reflection on the tenets of our profession, the members of Charles C. Dame, and the lodge itself. It is hoped that as our charitable local activities become more and more well known, that good men will seek out our fraternity for membership, thus benefiting them and allowing our tradition of giving to continue.