Hiram Lodge 287 making a difference for Family Pathways, Food Shelf

Members of the Hiram Lodge 287 Lindstrom, raised an impressive $6,500 for Family Pathways’ Chisago Lakes Area Food Shelf. As part of the “Double Your Donation” community fundraiser these funds were matched by Minnesota Masonic Charities, bringing the total of fund raised to $13,000. Mason Grand Master David Olson joined Hiram Lodge members, Jay Albright, Jerry Rhoads, Bruce Hagberg, and Brian Hoffman to present the donation to Family Pathways’ Executive Director Rich Smith and Food Shelf volunteer Ruben Hoffmann.

Lodge member Hoffman took the lead in organizing the highly successful campaign to help local families and individuals struggling with a scarcity of food. He said, “When food shelf coordinator Robin Loken told us the Chisago Lakes Food Shelf gave out a record 173,347 pounds of food last year during 2,005 appointments we knew we wanted to help. Needy families and individuals in our community go without proper food every day due to a variety of factors including low wages, job loss, injuries and illness. Thanks to a team effort with community partners we are glad to be making a difference. ” Family Pathways Chisago Lakes Area Food Shelf serves residents in Chisago City, Lindstrom, Center City, Shafer, and Taylors Falls. In addition to providing monthly food supplements to those who are struggling to make ends meet, the food shelf also has a Food 4 Kids week-end meal program and a Summer Lunch program to help families with children when school is not in session.

Also, during the holidays ingredients to make a traditional holiday meal are made available to food shelf clients. Every Monday throughout the year, Family Pathways partners with local area churches to provide a free Community Meal served at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City. To learn more about free community outreach programs, to volunteer or to donate visit familypathways.org or call Family Pathways Central Office at 877-321-7100. For individuals interested in joining over sixty community minded member of the Hiram Lodge 287 please call Brian Hoffman at 651-728-2041 or Jay Albright at 651-257-9941.