Des Moines Masonic Lodge hosts Teddy Bear Drive for first responders

Frank S. Land No. 313 Masonic Lodge has long been involved in supporting the Des Moines community, from organizing a sock drive for the Des Moines Food Bank to providing annual grants to Midway Elementary School.

This summer, the lodge took its community involvement a step further by organizing a stuffed animal drive aimed at supporting local first responders.

The lodge collected more than 600 donations of small to medium-sized stuffed animals, including teddy bears, with the goal of offering comfort to children affected by fires, accidents, and other traumatic events.

“A small stuffed animal can help bring back that smile to a child’s face! Bring back some hope and comfort, in a time of need,” a representative from the lodge said.

South King Fire crews picked up several of the donations, which were distributed to Fire House #2, serving Normandy Park and Burien, as well as the Des Moines Police Department. Some of the extra stuffed animals were also donated to the Des Moines Food Bank, where they will be given to children visiting the facility.

Plans are already in place to make this donation drive an annual event, with the goal of continuing to support first responders and provide comfort to children in difficult situations.

The Masonic Lodge expressed its gratitude to both the first responders and the Des Moines community, saying,

“Thank you to our First Responders and all that you do,” said Mason Carl Jones. “And thank you, to our great city of Des Moines! To think of all the smiles these will be bringing to children’s and families faces is a great feeling to me and my family.”

More info about these Masons is here: https://www.franksland313.com

Here are some photos of a few of the donations and the First Responders who stopped: