As the weather starts to cool and the holiday season is upon us, it reminds us that it is that time of year that gives us so much joy. And, no it is not eating too much turkey at Thanksgiving or the gifts we receive at Christmas. It is that our lodge finds its self-able to continue to give back to our community. For our first quarter of the year, our lodge received a community service report grade of "Excellent" for our giving from Moose International. Our second quarter report has been filed.
During the last quarter, we gave to three community service projects. Our first and biggest was to the Moose International Centennial fund (www.moosehaven.org). The Centennial Fund is to help build and maintain our newest addition to Moosehaven. The Moosehaven Centennial Project is a three-story, 105-unit apartment building that will serve the purpose of accommodating the growing population at Moosehaven. As a substantive, dynamic housing option the Moosehaven Centennial Project will improve the quality of life for traditional residents by offering in-house kitchen and dining, up to date technologies, modern construction, and other superior amenities.
Our second donation for the second quarter was to Safe Surfin Foundation (www.safesurfin.org). Through its interactive website, special events, printed materials, PSAs, and other educational opportunities, Safe Surfin' educates the public about Internet crimes involving children. Safe Surfin’ works with the U.S. Department of Justice, school systems, public libraries that offer Internet access, law enforcement agencies, and corporate sponsors to expand its educational outreach. Safe Surfin’ seeks donations from individuals and corporations to further its mission.
And finally, our third donation was to TAPS (www.taps.org). The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in our Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. TAPS has assisted more than 80,00 surviving families, casualty officers, and caregivers over the years.
We want to thank the members that continue to frequent our lodge and make purchases in the Social Quarters. It is your purchases and donations during the 9’O clock ceremony each week that allows us to do more. As always, we are looking for those members that wish to help out with our community service projects. If you are interested in helping or forming a committee to work for our community, please let a board officer know. We need everyone’s help this holiday season. Again, thanks for everyone’s help. Here is wishing you and your families a safe and happy holiday season.