At the Board of Education’s Sept. 11 meeting, representatives from the Truth Chapter No. 19, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated, were recognized for their service to the children of Charles County Public Schools and the community. During the past school year, the organization has provided donations for students that range from backpacks and gym uniforms to laptop computers and desktop computer monitors.
During the meeting, Board Chairman Roberta S. Wise presented a recognition certificate to Gloria Jolly, worthy matron; Marlin Donaldson, worthy patron; and Sharon Hines, acting secretary. Jolly said the goal of the organization is to support and provide service to the community. “Our goal, our mission is to help the community in any way that we can. Our organization continues to pay it forward by giving back to the community and help those most in need,” Jolly said at the meeting.
The Order of the Eastern Star is a charitable organization that exists to help the community, and originally consisted of the wives, sisters, daughters and widows of master masons. The Order of the Eastern star is one of few masonic affiliations that contain both men and women members. Last month, the Truth Chapter donated more than 50 backpacks filled with school supplies to students at Gale-Bailey, Indian Head and J.C. Parks elementary schools, and General Smallwood and Matthew Henson middle schools.
The Chapter also donated gym uniforms to Smallwood for this school year. In the spring, Henry E. Lackey High School received more than 30 laptop computers, bags and monitors that valued more than $40,000 from the Chapter. The organization also supplied three scholarships to students at Lackey for $500, $250 and $100.
Additionally, the Truth Chapter No. 19 hosts an annual free clothing and toy drive and gathers items to benefit homeless families in Charles County, and prepares food baskets for families in need during holidays. Jolly said the Truth Chapter is already working on their 2012 clothing and toy drive. “It is our hope that when we ask businesses for their help in supporting our schools and students that they know and can see for themselves that we are putting everything right back into our community,” she said.
The Truth Chapter was established in December 1919 and is the sister chapter to the Bee Hive Lodge No. 66. The Order of the Eastern Star Chapters are governed by a State Grand Chapter, which is the Myra Grand Chapter in Maryland. For more information about the organization, visit http://www.mwphglmd.org/MGC_OES-Home-page.html.
Charles County Public Schools provides 26,800 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
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