Philanthropy

Tracy Leja-Krepps and Brother Rick S. Freedman step into leadership roles serving the Masonic Charities.

Brother Jack R. Wheeler was inspired to become Masonic District 16’s Blood & Organ Donor Chairman for personal reasons.

Back in 1992, his wife, Carol, needed a life-saving kidney transplant, and her older brother, Mike Fisher, volunteered to be a living donor. After her successful transplant the following year, Carol enjoyed 26 years of life until 2019, when she passed away from a severe heart attack.

After the passing of his wife, brothers rallied around Brother Ken Nute to support him in his move to Masonic Village.

Our Masonic Charities provide reflections on the past and hope for the future. While each charity focuses on a unique mission, together they improve the lives of those within our care, building stronger, brighter communities and bettering humanity.

A few years ago, members of the Tall Cedars Norristown Forest No. 31 decided to sell the Norristown Cedar Club and meet at Norristown Lodge No. 620.

Thanks to proceeds from the sale, the Forest is able to generously support multiple charities, including the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program, Shriners Children’s and the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Reading. Thanks to proceeds from the sale, the Forest is able to generously support multiple charities, including the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program, Shriners Children’s and the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Reading.

Zeredatha-White Rose Lodge No. 451, York, donated $75,000 to York County Child Abduction Response Effort (CARE) to fund the county’s next bloodhound, aptly named “Mason.” It will also cover his specialized training, a new K9 vehicle and equipment.

Brother Ed Hoover reflects on the support he's received from the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor program while on his transplant journey.

More than 50 moms-to-be who are in the military, or whose partners are in the military, were invited to a Help for Our Heroes Baby Shower event held at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey on Nov. 2, 2024. Since 2008, Pennsylvania Masons have contributed $1.6 million to support military members, veterans and their families through the Help for Our Heroes program.

Brother Harry Woods, 95, hosted his last blood drive on Oct. 8, 2024, at Eureka-West Shore Lodge No. 302, Mechanicsburg.

Having served as the lodge’s Blood Chairman for over 35 years, Harry was integral in the collection of over 1,700 units of blood, which translates into saving up to 5,100 lives. In addition, the lodge donated the $10 per pint it received from the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program to the Children’s Dyslexia Center in Harrisburg. The lodge celebrated Harry’s service with cake and ice cream, and Harry received numerous accolades for his dedication.

In August 2024, catastrophic flooding caused by remnants of Hurricane Debby ravaged areas of Tioga County, triggering harrowing rescue efforts and extensive destruction.

Several brethren were among those severely impacted, and some of the local lodge buildings sustained water damage, as well. As expected, members who were able immediately offered to help, either with cleanup and recovery efforts or through financial support.