Moose lodge donates ... moose

Greencastle Moose Lodge No. 1592 and the Women of the Moose Community Service Committee donate Tommy Moose plush characters to emergency responders in Putnam County every year. Handing out Moose and accepting them are Maurica Anderson, Susie McMains, Mandy Jellison, Jenna Price, Katie Price, and Lee Price, fire chief at Madison Township Fire Department, Dan Heavin, Fillmore Fire Chief and Bob Bills, President of Fillmore Fire Department and Alicia Linton and Deb Spurlock.

GREENCASTLE -- 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 public safety agencies 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.

"Emergency people can give Tommy moose to a child. It's something for them to hold onto when they are scared. Whether their parents' car is broken down on the side of the road or it is another situation," said Women of the Moose Youth Involvement Chairman Mandy Jellison.

"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 Jellison.

The Greencastle Moose is very active in community service. Their 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.

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 for two years now.

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).

They also participate in scholarships and numerous fundraising events.

For information about the Greencastle Moose Family Lodge, call 653-5456 or visit their Web site at www.greencastlemoose.org