On Feb. 13, children receiving medical care at the Lexington Shiners’ Hospital received unexpected gifts from Scottish Rite Masons from the Big Sandy Valley.

Bro. James Ward, of Paintsville, and Bro. Fred “Mano” Runyon, of Pikeville, representing the Sandy Valley Scottish Rite Club, delivered toys, video games and movies to children in an effort to lift their spirits and share some good cheer.

When the club was presented with the opportunity, Bro. Eddie Hazelett, president of the club, said, “The Lexington Shriner’s Hospital has always been an invaluable resource to the children of Eastern Kentucky. This is our way of helping give back just a little bit. We all have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, and helping a child and their families feel just a little bit better during a time of crisis is truly a blessing. We plan to continue this dedication to our communities by working hard to raise the money to bring a Rite Care Speech Pathology/Therapy service to the children of Eastern Kentucky.”

Rite Care is a program of the Scottish Rite that raises money to provide free speech language therapy and pathology to children between the ages of 3 and 5 who do not have means of payment or insurance. The Sandy Valley Scottish Rite Club represents Scottish Rite Freemasons from Lawrence County to Letcher County.

For more information about our program or how to become involved, contact club secretary Anthony Skeans at anthonyskeans@gmail.com or by phone at (606) 791-2902.