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Masonic Charity as Community Service

Masonic charity is not always about distressed Master Masons, their widows and orphans. Often, it is an activity or fundraiser to address a need and help the local community. Likewise, it is not always the Mason that drives the charitable effort. The wives and ladies of Masons are often the thoughtful leaders who motivate and guide our efforts. Thank you, ladies!

When Grand Master Keith and First Lady Sharon Newton were planning the 2019-2020 Grand Lodge year, Sharon wanted to promote the charity, Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), as her personal interest and contribution to the wellbeing of her community and state. SHP is a national charity that builds beds for kids.

It is hard for most of us to realize, but across this country, 2% of children go to sleep every night without a bed to sleep in. They end up on the floor, on a couch or in a chair. "It's hard for visions of sugar plums to dance in a little girl's head when she's sleeping on a cold floor. It's hard for a little boy to sleep in heavenly peace on a saggy living room couch. Too many children don't have a bed to sleep in," says Regina Brett of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Sharon brought this need to the attention of the Lodges in Ohio, and the Masons heard her appeal and made significant contributions. Most recently, the 22nd District Masonic Association raised funds and organized a day for building beds. It was a very unusual build project because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Lorain County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace arranged with county health officials for an outdoor build day. 45 Masonic volunteers from the District received how-to instruction and proceeded to build 115 beds for children in Lorain County. They invited the Grand Master and Sharon to join them, and with special shirts for the occasion and lots of masks, they had a great day of fellowship and service in a good cause.

In addition to a day building beds, the 22nd District Association presented a check for $7500 for SHP. In thanking the District, Sharon told them, “you are the sunshine!” Their donation will go to help fulfill the SHP motto, “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”

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