Youth OutreachMcPherson Lodge No. 172 Donates $3,000 to the McPherson Police Department

McPherson, Kansas (December 13, 2021)—The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with McPherson Lodge No. 172 to donate $3,000 to the McPherson Police Department Blue Santa Program, a program that purchases gifts, clothes, and needed items for children and their families during the holiday season.

Founded in 1877, McPherson Lodge No. 172 is a Kansas Masonic Lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has 65 members and supports various local organizations and events, including providing college scholarships to local high school students, hosting cancer screening clinics through partnering with the KU Cancer Center, and sponsoring high school band students at the annual Shrine Bowl Summer All-State Marching Band competition. 

“We have provided funding to the McPherson Police Department Blue Santa Program for the past five to six years,” said McPherson Lodge No. 172 Secretary Kelly Long. “The program specifically serves the neediest children and their families within the community, which are selected by counselors in the local school district.”

This year, the Brothers at McPherson Lodge No. 172 are continuing with their support of the McPherson Police Department Blue Santa Program by teaming up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $3,000 to the organization. Each year, local counselors in the school district assist the police department with deciding which items are needed most during the holiday season. The police department then uses the Blue Santa funding to purchase and distribute toys, clothing, food, bedding, cash, and more as needed for each family. The funds donated by the Brothers at McPherson Lodge No. 172 in collaboration with the Kansas Masonic Foundation will help provide essentials to additional families this year. A formal donation presentation previously took place on December 10, 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.