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Masonic Organ Donor Program
The Pennsylvania Masonic Organ Donor Program
is an example of Grand Master Ronald A. Aungst,
Sr.'s program in which Masons help their fellow man.
This program is an extension of the Masons' history of
helping others. The Masonic Organ Donor program is
designed for a two-fold purpose:
- To provide educational materials about
the need for organ donation
- To enlist Masons and their families to
become organ donors
Over 80,000 Americans are currently waiting for an
organ transplant. The need far surpasses the available
supply of organs. Many people will die this year simply
because an organ was not available for them.
How do we help? We, as Masons, should consider the
opportunity to help our fellow man. Each donor can save
the lives of several individuals. Think of the possibilities
if each of us would sign an organ donor card!
How do we accomplish this? The procedure is
very simple: sign an organ donor card! In addition, it
is imperative that your next of kin knows your wishes.
When we pass from this earth, our next of kin must give
permission for us to donate our organs. By becoming an
organ donor, even in our death, we are able to give life
to others.
Organ donor cards should be available at each lodge
meeting, banquet, etc. Invite a guest speaker to talk
about organ donation. Encourage all members to sign
an organ donor card.
Please consider this worthy program. If you need
additional information or materials, please contact:
Rick Knepper
1461 Hospitality Drive
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 263-1189
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Masonic Blood
Donor Club |
The Masonic Blood Donor Club is part of the Masonic
Blood and Organ Donor Committee of the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania. Though not a blood bank, we do
protect our members by replacing blood when needed.
Our main focus is to encourage blood donations by
Masons and their friends and families for the good of the
community in which they reside.
Any Pennsylvania Mason may join by donating a unit
of blood to the American Red Cross or any of the blood
collection centers in Pennsylvania or out-of-state. There is
no cost to join - yearly dues have been waived for the past
16 years because of the generosity of our members and
their lodges.
Many of our members donate blood regularly at
church or work. Their donations qualify them to be a
member of the Masonic Blood Donor Club. Anyone,
whether or not they donate on a regular basis, Mason or
not, may be a substitute donor for someone who is eligible
for membership, who cannot give.
If a brother dies, his wife retains his membership.
Membership protects a brother, his wife and dependent
children (IRS rules). Membership is open to Pennsylvania
Masons, our ladies' organization members and our youth
organizations. Widows of Pennsylvania Masons are
encouraged to join without the usual blood donation.
No proof of donation is necessary. A brother's word
will suffice. After a donation, fill in a NEW MEMBER
FORM (available on the Grand Lodge Web site, http://www.pagrandlodge.org/programs/donor/formnewm.pdf).
A membership card will be mailed.
If your lodge, valley or shrine wants to set up a
Bloodmobile or participate in a Bloodmobile with your
local church, school or business, please contact Bro.
Norman A. Fox at normfox@aol.com for information on
whom to contact.
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