Social WelfareEmporia Lodge No. 12 Donates $1,000 to the First Congregational Church’s “Baby Closet”

Emporia, Kansas (December 2, 2021)—The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Emporia Lodge No. 12 to donate $1,000 to the First Congregational Church’s “Baby Closet,” a new ministry providing necessities to local families with young children. 

Founded in 1864, Emporia Lodge No. 12 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has 202 members and regularly makes charitable contributions to the local community, including awarding over $100,000 in scholarships to local area students, making a $30,000 contribution to the Emporia High School Marching Band to purchase new band and orchestra equipment, funding over 50 students’ trips to the Kansas Masonic All-State High School Marching Band Camp, purchasing a thermo-imaging camera for the Emporia Fire Department, pledging $125,000 to the Kansas Masonic Foundation, and sponsoring the 2021 No Coast Film Festival. Additionally, the Brothers at Emporia Lodge No.12 have donated to the Building Kansas Campaign to support literacy, cancer patients, veterans, and community PRIDE programs.

“Our lodge members are actively involved in our community and region through gifts of time, talent, and treasure to a wide variety of local charities, youth organizations, and student scholarships,” said Emporia Lodge No. 12 Secretary Dave Hendricks. 

Continuing with their involvement in the local community, the Brothers at Emporia Lodge No. 12 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $1,000 to the First Congregational Church’s “Baby Closet.” This new ministry has been modeled on a successful program in Topeka, Kansas, and will help provide diapers, clothing, and other necessities to local families with children ages five and under. All items will be provided at no charge and purchased through the loving support of church members, friends, and members of the local community. The funds donated by the lodge in collaboration with the Kansas Masonic Foundation will help purchase necessary supplies like diapers and clothing. A formal donation announcement previously took place on November 28, 2021. 

About the Kansas Masonic Foundation:
As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, click here.