Moose gives big to help victims of recent floods

Saturday, July 5, 2008
Members of the Greencastle Moose Family Center packed up supplies, which they are sending to their fellow lodges in Martinsville and Spencer for disaster relief.

Members of the Greencastle Moose Family Center have been busy preparing supplies to send to their fellow lodges in Martinsville and Spencer. The supplies will be given out to members of those organizations and to others who have been affected by the flood disaster.

Over 40 boxes containing clothing donated by F. B. Distro, canned food given by Aldi's as well as other supplies from lodge members are awaiting two trucks that will deliver them to Martinsville and Spencer.

Any items not used by lodge members will go the local Red Cross for distribution.

"We all decided together to do something for people in need. We are known as a family fraternity with a strong community service program. This is just one way we knew we could help," said Moose Family Center Administrator Tim Spurlock.

It is this tradition of working together for common causes that helped the Moose Lodge be named the Premier Lodge in the State of Indiana. They were also named eighth in the country on the list of Moose Premier Lodges.

"It's a real honor to be first in the state and eighth in the country," Senior Regent Debbie Alamo told the Banner Graphic.

"We try to do a lot of good things here. We focus on family and service to the community. It's nice to have our efforts recognized," she added.

The Moose Community Service program challenges people to become volunteers through membership in the Moose. It calls for capable and inspired leadership and for generous giving of thought, effort and time according to the Moose Six Point Community Service Program.

Counting the hours worked, miles driven and dollars donated, the Moose contribute $70-80 million worth of service every year to communities throughout the U.S., Canada and Great Britain.

The Loyal Order of moose was founded in 1888, with nearly one million men in about 2,000 lodges. They contribute more than $50 million in community service annually.

Additionally, the Women of the Moose, founded in 1913, conduct more than $20 million worth of community services. This group has over 400,000 women in approximately 1,600 chapters.

Locally, the Greencastle Family Moose Center is a large contributor to many events. They offered their facility at no charge to the Greencastle High School Junior Class for the prom.

They provide Spinoza Bears (a therapeutic tool disguised as a cuddly teddy bear designed to provide sensory stimulation to children in need of affection).

They also participate in scholarship and numerous fundraising events. For information about the Greencastle Moose Family Lodge call 765-653-5456 or visit their Web site at www.greencastlemoose.org

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