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Tommy Moose donated to public safety agencies
Children in crisis situations will have a new comfort measure thanks to the Greencastle Moose Lodge and Women of the Moose. The group recently donated the stuffed animals to Operation Life and the Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department to be used to help comfort children who are in distress.
The Tommy Moose is a soft cuddly stuffed moose dressed in a red sweater with the name "Tommy" embroidered across the front.
"It's something a child can hold onto when they are scared. Emergency people can give Tommy to children whose parents' car is broken down on the side of the road. It helps get the kids mind off the situation they are in," said Women of the Moose Senior Regent Debbie Alamo.
"Agencies can use them to help break the ice with children who are in a crisis situation. We know our firefighters, ambulance crews and law enforcement all come in contact with frightened children almost on a daily basis. Tommy can help," added Alamo.
"We want people to know we are a family fraternity with a strong community service program. This is one way we can help," said Moose Lodge Governor Joe Barker.
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 contributes $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 last year and they participate in scholarship and numerous fundraising events.
Besides donating "Tommy Moose" to local emergency personnel, they also provide Spinoza Bears (a therapeutic tool disguised as a cuddly teddy bear designed to provide sensory stimulation to children in need of affection).
For information about the Greencastle Moose Family Lodge call 765-653-5456 or visit their Web site at www.greencastlemoose.org