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