Photo Provided Preparing to give back to the community by helping local Masonic lodges bring gifts to widows, children and others are, from left, David Miser, Ronald Wyscarver, Gary Edwards, Denny Ballog, Greg Starcher, J.T. Morgan, Rich Kidd, 23rd District Chairman John Lovejoy, Masonic Volunteer Program Coordinator DeAnna Kinney, Wesley Moore, Rich Bradley, Jack Kibble, Eileen Morgan and Viola Moore.

FLUSHING — What better way to celebrate the holidays is there than by giving to others?

That’s what members of the Masonic Volunteer Program from four Masonic Lodges – Flushing No. 298 in Flushing, Friendship No. 89 in Barnesville, Point Pleasant No. 360 in Pleasant City and Harrison No. 219 in Cadiz – do each year for widows and senior Lodge members. The Masonic Volunteer Program is part of the community outreach of the Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center and coordinated by DeAnna Kinney by partnering with local Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters.

This year, 96 fruit baskets were packed and distributed. The volunteers can attest to the satisfaction they feel by assembling and delivering the baskets. They know it truly is better to give than to receive.

Many recipients expressed their gratitude for the gesture and welcomed a friendly visit during the holiday season. It was even more meaningful this year, as so many have forced to stay home and to limit contact with others for a third year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the flu.

An important tenet of Freemasonry is that widows and orphans are to be cared for. These Masons use the holidays not only to give a gift to these widows, Eastern Star members and senior Masons, but more importantly to reassure them that they are not forgotten and are still cared for.

The baskets contain fruit, candy and other goodies. The project is funded by donations from individuals, the Lodges and fundraisers. The Scio Sportsman’s Club also provides generous support every year.

Anyone interested in more information can call John Lovejoy at 740-491-1008.