Each year around Christmas, the members of Hampton Lodge remember their Masonic Widows in a special way by presenting them a fruit basket. Out of town Widows are sent a book of postage stamps and a special Holiday card. This year, several young folks for Clayton DeMolay Chapter and Jonesboro Rainbow Assembly volunteered to help with the project.

Harold Smith carefully inspects each basket to see that a good selection of different fruits has been packed.

Should we beware of a beautiful young lady offering an apple? Not this time, this is for a good cause. Rainbow Girl Ashleigh Warren is assisting Bro. Mike Butler by putting the apples in the fruit baskets.

"We work for food!" The Master knows how to keep the volunteers happy. He has arranged for special holiday treats for everyone.

Almost done! The baskets are very bright and festive and are ready for delivery in the morning.

This is what it is all about. Bros. Joe Turner, Ed Hendry. Steve Hendry, Richard Harris, Mike Butler, Harold Smith, and Larry Griggers delivered 35 fruit baskets. Above, Bro. Butler presents a fruit basket to Ms. Betty Gibbs. She lives a busy life style now and was headed out the door when we arrived. Upon receiving the basket, Ms. Gibbs said, "I'm glad you caught me. It is a good thing that you do. I really look forward to seeing you at this time of the year!"

"Thanks a million. I really appreciate what you do!" said a grateful Frances Stell when she received her fruit basket. The Masons who deliver the fruit baskets get a special blessing from seeing the widows and making sure their needs are met. From time immemorial, Masons have considered it their duty to do all that is within their power to help and assist widows and orphans of members that have passed on.

It was a special day that everyone enjoyed.