Masons Support Local Schools
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Masons Support Local Schools
During the visit to Robbins Elementary, Lodge representative Nick Massengale read to Mrs. McKayla Miller’s kindergarten class.
By Shane Gilreath
[email protected]
As the Christmas season approaches that the spirit of giving become a prominent theme across the
Lodge representative Nick Massengale and Fairview Elementary: Assistant Principal Laura Lloyd.
Christian world, such ideas are not lost on Scott County. The idea of giving and uplifting others was recently exemplified through various avenues – across Thanksgiving charities, community meals, and Christmas fundraisers – with last week seeing a generous act by the local Freemasons in their support of local schools and students.
The Masons, long recognized as one of the world’s oldest fraternal organizations, have also rooted the organization in the principles of charity and service, and are often seen living that example in communities across the state – indeed, the world. That commitment to magnanimity was on display in Scott County on November 25th when Lodge No. 670 delivered $1,003.50 donations to both Robbins and Fairview Elementary Schools as part of their community-led Teacher Supply Drive.
The organization’s generosity directly supports local
Lodge representative Nick Massengale and Robbins Elementary: Principal Dana Storey.
classroom, providing supplies, helping to meet student needs and those of Scott County educators.
“We’re grateful for our teachers and staff,” the lodge said, showing a commitment to a problem that is prevalent in education across the state. Many Tennessee classrooms lack much-needed supplies due to variety of reasons – limited school budgets, rising costs, and inflation are often cited causes. On average, teachers receive about $200 annually for materials, which falls far short of the average classroom need. In economically distressed areas, like Scott County, many students find themselves unable to provide their own supplies, making community efforts – like Teacher Supply Drives – essential in ensuring that education isn’t disrupted by the lack of basic classroom necessities. As prices have increased in recent years, teachers often find themselves covering costs out-of-pocket, spending hundreds of dollars on classroom and student needs. Freemasonry has attempted to meet those needs.
“Freemasonry is at its best when it serves the community,” Nick Massengale said, a representative of the lodge. “I hope efforts like this demonstrate the charitable spirit at the heart of our fraternity.”
During the visit, Massengale was able to read to McKayla Miller’s kindergarten class, a further demonstration of the organization’s deep-rooted idea of community engagement.
“Those kids made the whole day,” they said.
For students, teachers, and classrooms who find themselves lacking basic materials, such contributions from Lodge 670 and other businesses and organizations help provide for classrooms when supplies are in short demand.
Present to receive the donations were Robbins Elementary Principal Dana Storey and Fairview Elementary Assistant Principal Laura Lloyd.