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Joseph Warren Soley Masonic Lodge Masons help military families

Wednesday, September 22, 2004

Joseph Warren Soley Masonic Lodge in Lincoln recently participated in an effort to provide much-needed back-to-school clothing and school supplies to Massachusetts children of actively deployed military. The lodge joined the USO and the Masonic Angel Fund to assist the kids of military currently serving our country during this challenging time.

Through this effort the most critical and urgent needs of children of active deployed military will be met. The children can receive new clothing, supplies and shoes in efforts to ease the burden faced by their families and to set the table for a positive educational experience.

Children and their families are receiving gift certificates to various grocery, shoe, clothing and department stores. The Masons and the USO are also working with retailers participating in this program to arrange discounts, free items and other benefits for the kids and their families.

"We are very thankful that the Masons have stepped forward once again to help our children," said Alice Harkins, executive director of the USO New England. "Back to school time can be very trying both financially and emotionally for these families who are very thankful for the support provided by the Masons and other corporate citizens."

"The Masons are devoted to helping the children of the Commonwealth, especially those with family members serving our country," said Bob Fellows, co-founder of the Masonic Angel Fund. "The USO does such a wonderful job helping the family members of the military and we are proud that we can also help out during this challenging time in our nation's history."

The Masonic Angel Fund was founded in 1998 by John Alden Sherman and Robert W. Fellows of Universal Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Orleans, Mass., and has spread to 87 Lodges in nine states. A cornerstone of the program is the close relationship that develops between the local school system and the sponsoring Lodge, allowing children to be served in a rapid, efficient manner, underscoring the legacy of Masons as the "can do" people in the community.

The Masons is a worldwide social and charitable fraternal organization whose mission is to instill and encourage honesty, integrity and charity to benefit mankind while creating friendship and understanding between men without concern for race, creed, religion or national origin. For more information visit www.glmasons-mass.org or call 617-426-6040.