MISSION MATTERS
NOVEMBER 2024
Masonic Charities Update
The Holiday Season is Coming...
and So Are Our Masonic Charities Appeals What are they, and why do they Matter to the Mission? As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the spirit of giving and the difference it can make. For organizations like ours, the support we receive during the holiday season is crucial to fulfilling our mission. Donor contributions through holiday appeal letters are not only a gesture of generosity but also a lifeline for the work we do year-round. In a few short weeks, you’ll receive a letter in the mail from your favorite Masonic charity sharing how you can ensure its mission continues to impact lives in meaningful ways. This year, the Masonic Villages appeal offers two options. Donors may choose to contribute toward the provision of quality compassionate care to seniors who could not otherwise afford it. Alternatively, they may opt to support the Helping Hands Fund, designed to financially assist our dedicated Masonic Charities team members who are suffering personal hardship due to natural disasters or other emergencies beyond their control. The Masonic Temple, Library and Museum appeal provides donors the opportunity to directly support efforts to preserve Pennsylvania’s rich Masonic history for visitors from around the world, enhance programming, create new exhibitions and help fund necessary structural repairs to ensure the integrity of the National Historic Landmark. For those with a heart for youth, the Masonic Children’s Home appeal requests support to provide children who have faced overwhelming challenges
with a secure home, medical and dental care, nourishing meals, warm clothing, and educational and emotional support in time for the holidays. Your donation this season ensures that we can start the coming year with the resources needed to continue making a difference. “There’s something truly special about working with our donors during the holidays,” said Joyce May, corporate director of annual giving and operations. “It’s a time when people feel more connected to the causes they care about, and we get to see firsthand how deeply they believe in the work we’re doing. Their generosity during this season helps us achieve so much more than we could otherwise. In many cases, it’s a win-win. Our donors are taking advantage of year-end tax benefits such as giving their required minimum distribution from their IRA, joining the Cornerstone Circle program or acquiring a Charitable Gift Annuity while making a difference in the lives of others.”