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They came by bus instead of by sleigh... but otherwise, nearly 50 members of Lodge No. 9, Philadelphia, along with their family members, resembled a team of Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and elves on Sunday, Dec. 12, as they arrived at the Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown.

Thirty-seven residents at the Masonic Children's Home, as well as three adults from the Residential-Respite Cottage, eagerly awaited their arrival because these visitors were no strangers. This was the second time that the Lodge members and their families brought holiday cheer to the youth. The first was two years ago.

The mood at the Masonic Conference Center was festive as the group shared music, pizza, and friendship. A few months prior to the event, Lodge members had requested that the adults and children make wish lists for Christmastime. The brethren and their families then brought those gifts wrapped for the holiday. Even Old St. Nick joined in the party bringing smiles and laughter to all.

For the Lodge members and their families, this was more than just a community service outing. It was a chance to really make a difference in the lives of individuals through selflessly giving of themselves. And for the recipients of those gifts, it was a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas.

With the $10,000 budget which the Lodge had allocated as a donation to the Masonic Children's Home, this group not only purchased every child's gift, but also piano keyboards with stands for all five cottages, and a computer and software for the resource center. This event was an enormous undertaking, but one that they met very graciously. Many thanks to David Woodhead and Theodore Beck, Past Masters and Co-chairmen of the Charity Policy Committee for Lodge No. 9, who spearheaded the project. Also "thank you" goes out to Albert E. Woodhead, W.M.; Carl A. Firman, S.W.; Robert R. Austin, Jr., J.W.; William G. Woodhead, Treasurer; and John A. Richards, Secretary; who made this opportunity possible for the children.