LAURINBURG — The fourth annual Shop with a Cop initiative received a financial boost Monday, thanks to a local fraternity.
The Freemasons of Laurinburg Lodge 305 presented two checks in support of the local Shop with a Cop program at Lodge 305 Monday morning.
The money will go toward giving children in need a better Christmas. Law enforcement officers take the children to Walmart, where the child can choose their gifts for Christmas with the money allotted.
“There is nothing like seeing the smile on a kid’s face,” said Police Chief Darwin “Duke” Williams.
Williams added that Hurricane Florence affected the program because they normally raise money for the cause in October.
“In the past three years we always had a softball tournament and we would raise our own funds for it, but the hurricane kind of derailed us,” said Williams. “We understand that the need is growing and we will try to accommodate as many kids as we can.”
The program’s target is to serve 20 to 30 children each year.
He stated that small kids and teens may get up to $200 to get toys or electronics for the holidays.
Outgoing Lodge Master Michael Nobles presented the checks to Williams, Sgt. Van Horn and Scotland County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Lloyd Goins.
Goins said any money left over from their Shop With a Cop program goes to the Are You OK program.
“It deals with elderly people who are shut in or maybe do not have any family in the area. We have a system that calls them throughout the day,” said Goins. “It’s a well-being check.”
The Freemasonry wants the community to know about the help they have who those who need.
“We give to our Masonic Home for Children, an orphanage and children’s home, and White Stone, which is a retirement home for the Eastern Stars,” said Nobles. “We also give out scholarships to seniors going to college.”
The children’s home’s mission is to assist families in need by providing a safe home for children until they are reunited with family or achieve independence.
He stated that they gave four $500 scholarships last year to high school graduates.
District Deputy Grand Master and Secretary Paul A. Tate stated the fraternity is misunderstood and that families in need can contact the fraternity for help.
“The Masons get a lot of flack from seeing the movies that come out,” said Tate. “None of that is true. We are a Christian-based organization and it has been since the 1500’s when it started.”
For information, visit 305-nc.ourlodgepage.com.
Jael Pembrick can be reached at 910-506-3169 or jpembrick@laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com.
