Hiram Lodge announces food shelf drive

Hiram Lodge 287 announces its third Annual “Double your Donation” February Fund Drive for Chisago Lakes Area Food Shelf. For the third straight year, Hiram Lodge 287 in Lindstrom has selected Family Pathways Chisago Lakes Area Food Shelf to be the beneficiary of the February Fundraiser. Brian Hoffman of Hiram Lodge 287 is once again spear-heading the fundraiser that guarantees all individual donations will be doubled through a dollar for dollar match from Minnesota Masonic Charities. He is well aware of the good that can come from this dollar-for-dollar match. The grand total last year, including the match, was a $7,236 check for the food shelf.

This year the lodge is hoping to hit $8,000. To get the campaign off to a good start the lodge has already pledged to contribute $500. At the end of February, the lodge will submit drive results for the match by Minnesota Masonic Charities and a check will be presented to the Food Shelf during the statewide Minnesota March Food Share Drive. This timing is perfect as Family Pathways can earn additional supplemental matches for funds received during the statewide March Food Drive. Individuals interested in contributing to this year’s “Double your Donation” opportunity may make checks out to Hiram Lodge 287, with the memo marked – CLA Food Shelf (Chisago Lakes Area Food Shelf.) Throughout February, funds may be mailed direct to Hiram Lodge287, Box 681, Lindstrom, MN, 55045, dropped off at the newly relocated Chisago Lakes Area Food Shelf at 10568 Liberty Lane in Chisago City, or, mailed to the CLA Food Shelf, PO Box 45, Chisago City, MN 55013.

Checks must be made out to the Hiram Lodge to qualify for the match. All donations are tax-deductible. Hiram Lodge 287 members also selected Family Pathways Community Meal held at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City as their February “hands on” service project. Lodge members have committed to cover all the volunteer positions at the Community Meal February 17. This is the lodges’ second year in serving at the Community Meal outreach. These dinners are offered free to the community every Monday from 4 to 6 pm. Hiram Lodge 287 in Lindstrom was chartered in 1915 and currently has over 60 active members.

“New members are always welcome,” according to Master Jeremy Hansen. Family Pathways Chisago Lakes Area Food Shelf serves families in Lindstrom, Chisago City, Center City, Shafer and Taylors Falls. Last year, 173,347 pounds of food and personal care products were distributed during 2,005 family visits at the former location in Lindstrom. This represents a 28% increase in the amount of food distributed and an 11% increase in the number of family appointments over 2012. Family Pathways’ mission is to work with communities to develop supportive, caring relationships to help people meet their basic needs. In addition to 9 food shelves, 3 food partnerships and a mobile food truck, the organization also has Youth and Senior Services.

If you would like more information, need help, or want to help, please visit familypathways.org or call the central office at 763-552-7284. Family Pathways Chisago Lakes Area Food Shelf serves families in Lindstrom, Chisago City, Center City, Shafer and Taylors Falls. Last year, 173,347 pounds of food and personal care products were distributed during 2,005 family visits at the former location in Lindstrom. This represents a 28% increase in the amount of food distributed and an 11 percent increase in the number of family appointments. Family Pathways’ mission is to work with communities to develop supportive, caring relationships to help people meet their basic needs.

In addition to 9 food shelves, 3 food partnerships and a mobile food truck, the organization also has Youth and Senior Services. If you would like more information, need help, or want to help, please visit familypathways.org or call the central office at 763-552-7284. W?PIC