Right Worshipful Brother Gary Hoskinson has been Monroe County’s Christmas Magic Man for 50 years! He started his journey of spreading Christmas cheer a year after his mother passed away and has continued playing the role of Santa Claus for the Children in Monroe County.
He travels far and wide to spread cheer of the Christmas season from the Maco Workshop to the Arbors at Woodsfield. His sleigh has even made it as far as the State Capitol! When he arrives, he supplies a moment for every child and adult alike! He provides a stuffed animal for each child after they tell him what they’re hoping for this Christmas. He also provides a small gift to the teachers and workers at his stops. A Mickey Mouse, a blue and purple bird, or whatever might make someone’s day, as the joy of the season is celebrated by all.
How does he come up with all of the over 2,000 stuffed animals that he gives out each year, you may ask? Along with his own contributions, he has a whole workshop of elves that donate and collect them. His main contributors are the members of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star in Clarington, as well as help from the Switzerland of Ohio Ministry Action!
Christmas cheer does not end for Gary when the Christmas season is over, though. Gary trims his beard and puts his suit away but continues to treat people the way he does at Christmas: by lending a helping hand, however he can when people need it! Imagine how the world might look if we kept the spirit of the holiday season alive all year long, as Gary does.
Gary has been a Mason for over 35 years and is a Past Deputy and DEO of the 18th Masonic District. He and his wife, Nancy, are also members of the 18th District Masonic Volunteer Program Committee Gary will attend Lodge and work in his spare time doing a lot of mechanical work. Slowly, but surely, his beard will grow back out, and it will be time for him to put on the red suit once more to spread that holiday cheer to so many.
Thank You, Right Worshipful, for being dedicated to the craft for so many years, and more so, thank you for being dedicated to spreading cheer and happiness, something our world needs now more than ever. SMIB!
