Pennsylvania Masons Supporting Military Moms-to-Be

Eighty-eight moms-to-be who are in the military or whose partners are in the military were treated to a “Help for Our Heroes” Military Baby Shower in September at the Joint Base – McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst in New Jersey and in November at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

The events, hosted by the Pennsylvania Masons, included a lunch and shower games and prizes. Moms-to-be also received baby health information and numerous gifts. Gifts included a baby video monitor, toys, diapers, activity gym, car seat, stroller/travel system, health kit and a $200 gift card.

“I just want to say the biggest thank you,” Kelly Makin, wife of Sgt. Codi Makin, of the U.S. Army Reserves, said. “It was an incredible event. They put a lot of thought into it. We were really surprised by it. It was very informative. We didn’t know it’d be as educational as it was.

“The Masons’ togetherness – it just seems like an amazing group. We’re really proud we were a part of this.”

“It’s amazing everything that they’re doing for the all the military branches,” Codi said. “It’s obviously a large amount of money they’re giving back to the community and to the military, so I’m very grateful for that.”

Alongside co-emcee Brother Sam Freeman, D.D.G.M. – District C, Carol Mackenzie, news anchor for KYW Newsradio, served for a second time as Mistress of Ceremonies for the baby shower in New Jersey, and Alicia Richards, anchor/reporter for WHTM abc27, served for a second time at the Elizabethtown shower.

A big thank you to Richard Vaux Brotherhood Lodge No. 126, Palestine Roxborough Lodge No. 135, Williamson-Corinthian Lodge No. 368 and other members of lodges from Masonic District C, which provided more than 90% of the volunteers at the shower, including some of their wives. Also, special thanks to the PA Air National Guard 111th Attack Wing Commanders’ key support volunteers. Four military baby showers were held in 2025, hosting about 160 mothers-to-be, the most ever in one year.

Since 2008, Pennsylvania Masons have contributed over $1.6 million to the “Help for Our Heroes” program. For more information or to donate to the cause, email Bob Smoose at smoose.robert@gmail.com.