Community service is the easiest task to do and to describe. “Community” is what surrounds us and the “Service” we do is what makes the warm, happy feeling in-side. You don’t have to look too far and it doesn’t always take a lot of time to say to the community “we are here for you”. What can we do, just about anything when you’re a Moose. In return, a warm heart and a smile of thanks goes a long way. That’s not bad payment for a job well done.
Speaking of jobs well done – How about Eau Claire Community Service! We are going to have a huge amount of items for all those little ones as well as the lap robes and personal items for the adults. “Wis. Moose on the Move” We’re trying to utilize this newsletter to the fullest, so I hope you liked when we put the list of needed items in here. We know every lodge and chapter receives this mailing so its accessible to the President, Administrator, Senior Regents and many others, what better way to communicate our needs. All you need to do is read it, print it, clip it and hang it in your lodge by your HOC Collection Box. How simple is that!
I would like to thank the Bloomer Lodge/Chapter for sending me a copy of their HOC Report which enables me to share some of their wonderful community service ideas……
They provided desserts for the Swim team and Youth football Fund Raising Events. Having a sign saying desserts provided by the Bloomer Moose Lodge/Chapter and wearing Moose shirts, caps, pins is crucial so we can use the service hrs. etc. They are providing rides for community residents to and from the Cancer Treatment Center as well as visiting Veterans at the Local V.A. AWESOME JOB BLOOMER!
Thanks for your ideas, for all you do for your lodge, this great organization & for your community. Stay safe & remember be “MOOSE PROUD”.
H.O.C. Chairperson

Community Service starts at home, our Moose Family Home. The definition of “Community Service” lists it as a noun meaning – Voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area. Since we are always trying to get younger people involved why not try a generational project. A generational project involves the one who teaches (often the veteran or older person) and the one who wants to learn (many times the younger individual but not always the case) working together to accomplish a common goal. In your Lodge newsletter perhaps you could run an ad like this. Want to learn to knit, crochet, or how to tie blankets, etc.  Bring your daughter, son, granddaughter, friend, or neighbor to our craft night. These handmade items will be distributed to individuals within our community through our partnership with other local community service organizations.

We have held a craft night, quilting bee, blanket tying fest, whatever you want to call it and had very good results. We had young people come along with mom or grandma as well as several guys who brought their wives and then ended up trying blankets and having a really good time. The project no matter what you decide to do is the basis for 2 important ideas. First of all, it encourages young and old to work together to learn how to do these crafts and to be patient with each other while doing so. Second, the handmade item you hold in your hand and the friendships you keep in your heart are what leave lasting memories for you, your friend, and for the community you donate these items to.

Have your lodge and chapter charter a bus for the Mooseheart Tree Lighting. This is an excellent way to show members especially new ones or guests of members what we as the Moose do for our children and our community. We always seem to be looking out of our realm to find things to do when what we need is right under our noses.

So, when it comes to Community Service, it doesn’t always have to make money, it just needs to make sense. Keep up the awesome work and keep sending your ideas so we can share.                                        

Fraternally yours,

Helen M. Kiefer

Heart of the Community Chairperson