Masonic lodge plans Christmas party

Dayton Lodge #147, Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, presents its 16th annual Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 16, starting at 9 a.m. at the Dayton Masonic Center located at 525 W. Riverview Ave. in the lower level loge area. Santa Claus will arrive at approximately 11 a.m. This event is open to Masons, non-masonic family and KIND program supervisors of the children, and the media.

This annual Christmas Party was started in 2002 by Walt Barner, the worshipful master of Dayton Lodge at that time. Since its inception, Dayton Lodge has provided over 550 gifts to the under-privileged children.

Each year the lodge has supported the Kids In a New Direction (KIND) program, a program sponsored by Memorial United Church of Christ on East Fifth Street in Dayton. The KIND program was developed 30 years ago to provide outreach to at-risk and under-privileged children living in Dayton. The program focuses on helping children address issues from education to hygiene to physical fitness. This program is open to children of all faiths. For more information on the KIND Program, contact Paula Brown at 937-270-3624.

Freemasonry is deeply involved in helping people, and the members of Dayton Lodge #147 make this annual effort to provide a day of Christmas cheer, food, presents, crafts, games, and a visit with Santa to many of these children.

For further information concerning this event, contact Kevin Smith at 937-564-3159.