I belong to to the Valley of Akron, A.A.S.R., and for many years the Valley has distributed baskets and grocery store gift cards. The baskets are valued at around $50 and gift cards are for Acme or Giant Eagle. Last year we distributed 123 baskets and gift cards and will do about the same this year. The Valley calls this the Masonic Assistance Program and provides this to deserving people though out the year though it is primarily done at Christmas. The money comes from donations made by Brothers, Lodges, Chapters, Councils, Commanderies, O.E.S. Chapters and individuals.
The baskets and cards are not just given to members of the Masonic family, though these members are given first consideration, but to any deserving family in need. Jewell Cardwell, columnist for the The Akron Beacon Journal has for a number of years contributed to us the names of needy families.
I have been doing this for 8 or 9 years now and let me tell you something. Do it once and you are hooked. Giving families food at Christmas is as good as it gets, especially when you see the smiles on the kids. The messages on the Thank You cards received by the Valley make all the effort worth while.
Today Julia, Dylan and I made 4 families smile. What a great day.
'til the next time.
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