Over the past several years St. George lodge
has run a district holiday gift drive benefiting local homeless families
from across the communities that make up our district.

Given the tough economic times we have been facing
over the past several years the community services that assist homeless families
have been stretched beyond their limits.

In America, approximately 12,000 homeless youth
were counted during January 2010.
An estimated 50,000 youth between 12 and 17 used the homeless assistance system that same year.
The US Marine Corp has operated the Toys for Tots program for over 60 years
and in 2008 delivered over 16 Million toys. A homeless "youth" is not considered a “Tot”.

The St. George lodge Gift drive focuses on the "youth" age group
which is often overlooked during holiday gift drives

We have been collecting gift cards, sporting goods,
professional sports team hats and sweatshirts,
and of course cash that our volunteers can turn into gift cards.

We will be collecting donations
at the October and November Lodge of Instructions,
and at the St. George Lodge December ladies night.

If you cannot make any of these events,
but would still like to contribute to the relief of those in need in our community
please feel free to send a donation to the St. George secretary
with a note designating the donation to the holiday drive.

Each year we have run this drive,
the generosity of the district has been nothing short of amazing.

Thank you for your continued and generous support.