Post by admin on Dec 3, 2008 7:47:20 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/1203/front_page/022.html
F.&A.M. lodge planning holiday brunch Dec. 20
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer
FREEHOLD — The holidays will be a bit more cheerful for some needy children in Freehold Borough as a result of the enthusiasm and hard work of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Olive Branch Lodge No. 16.
The lodge, which has its headquarters on Dutch Lane Road, will host a holiday brunch for underprivileged children on Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to lodge member and borough resident Dan Xavier.
Donations of toys are being sought now by volunteers from the lodge.
"This is the first year that we have opted to do a public charity event like this," Xavier said. "We wanted to do something that would be effective and be based in Freehold Borough."
He said local merchants have been "helpful and generous" in supporting the toy drive thus far.
"I was really surprised," he said. "Even with the state of the economy, the businesses I approached still wanted to help. Even if they did not give a monetary donation, they donated a gift."
Xavier said he and Elliot Soto of South Brunswick, as well as other members of the lodge, have been spending their weekends working out plans for the event. He said all of the work will be worth it to provide childrenwith holiday gifts and their families with a nice brunch.
Lodge members are reaching out to churches and synagogues for the names of children to invite to the holiday brunch.
"Guests will enjoy the free meal, festive holiday entertainment and the one thing all children adore at this time of the year - presents," Xavier said.
He said the "singular purpose of the organization is to make good men better. Our bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries."
Freehold Borough Councilman Marc Le Vine is a member of the lodge. He said, "Freemasonry emphasizes self-improvement, personal study and the betterment of society through both self-enrichment and philanthropy. Freemasons contribute about $2 million per day to charitable causes ranging from funding medical research to operating children's hospitals."
"We want everyone to have a good time," Xavier said. "The holidays are the time of year when everyone can be the person they wish to be all year long. For that small time, you see everyone happy. It's going to be a beautiful day."
Anyone who would like to contribute a toy for this event may call 732-431-2234.
F.&A.M. lodge planning holiday brunch Dec. 20
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer
FREEHOLD — The holidays will be a bit more cheerful for some needy children in Freehold Borough as a result of the enthusiasm and hard work of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Olive Branch Lodge No. 16.
The lodge, which has its headquarters on Dutch Lane Road, will host a holiday brunch for underprivileged children on Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to lodge member and borough resident Dan Xavier.
Donations of toys are being sought now by volunteers from the lodge.
"This is the first year that we have opted to do a public charity event like this," Xavier said. "We wanted to do something that would be effective and be based in Freehold Borough."
He said local merchants have been "helpful and generous" in supporting the toy drive thus far.
"I was really surprised," he said. "Even with the state of the economy, the businesses I approached still wanted to help. Even if they did not give a monetary donation, they donated a gift."
Xavier said he and Elliot Soto of South Brunswick, as well as other members of the lodge, have been spending their weekends working out plans for the event. He said all of the work will be worth it to provide childrenwith holiday gifts and their families with a nice brunch.
Lodge members are reaching out to churches and synagogues for the names of children to invite to the holiday brunch.
"Guests will enjoy the free meal, festive holiday entertainment and the one thing all children adore at this time of the year - presents," Xavier said.
He said the "singular purpose of the organization is to make good men better. Our bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries."
Freehold Borough Councilman Marc Le Vine is a member of the lodge. He said, "Freemasonry emphasizes self-improvement, personal study and the betterment of society through both self-enrichment and philanthropy. Freemasons contribute about $2 million per day to charitable causes ranging from funding medical research to operating children's hospitals."
"We want everyone to have a good time," Xavier said. "The holidays are the time of year when everyone can be the person they wish to be all year long. For that small time, you see everyone happy. It's going to be a beautiful day."
Anyone who would like to contribute a toy for this event may call 732-431-2234.
