The Arlington Advocate
Lodge starts Angel Fund
(Actual article may be viewed
here while link is active)
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Looking for ways to support the children and youth of Arlington, the Russell
Lodge of Masons (Academy Street) has initiated its own Masonic Angel Fund.
It is the 53rd such fund to be approved under the auspices of the Masonic Angel
Foundation and is dedicated to providing direct financial assistance to children
in need within the town of Arlington. Primarily operating in coordination with
local public school principals, guidance staff and nurses, the Masonic Angel
Fund is geared to respond immediately when presented with a compelling need.
With seed money provided by the Russell Lodge, the Masonic Angel Fund trustees
have begun making contact with school personnel who have direct knowledge of
challenging situations facing children in our area.
Similar funds operated by other area lodges have assisted by providing basic
clothing, camperships for after-school programs and camps, field trip fees and
educational enhancements at the request of school professionals who are in
direct contact with children and families.
"The unique element to this program is that our committee is able to make
immediate decisions when presented with requests from our contacts within the
school," said Trustee Ted Wilson. "We trust them to make the professional
assessment that a relatively small financial gift could make a significant
difference to a child and his or her family."
Within the first months of operation, gifts were made in support of a local
elementary school child and two high school students. Wilson further said the
stated goal of the Masonic Angel Foundation and Funds is to provide support
within 24 hours of being asked by a school representative.
Seeking to play a role in Arlington's safety net for families, the Masonic Angel
Fund is supported by members of the Russell Lodge as well as community citizens
wishing to make contributions. There are no administrative fees charged to the
fund, so 100 percent of all the money received goes directly to serving
Arlington's children.
To learn more, contact Ted Wilson (781-641-5985). Contributions may be mailed to
the Russell Lodge Masonic Angel Fund, c/o Robert Nichols, Treasurer, 19 Academy
St., Arlington 02476.