Philanthropy

Serving Those Who Serve

At San Dimas No. 428, Masons help ease the burden on Military Families

By Justin Japitana

Above: Lieutenant Colonel Eun Kim, Chaplain, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, with Raymond Foster, past master of San Dimas № 428, inside the Fort Irwin Food Pantry.

One good turn deserves another—and in the case of San Dimas № 428, another and another. Over the past few years, the lodge has become an enthusiastic supporter of local military families, particularly at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base. But it all started with a modest ask—and a lodge ready to answer the call.

In 2021, San Dimas № 428 was approached by the Diamond Bar Women’s Club in Pomona about supporting its Christmas toy drive for kids of enlisted personnel. That led the lodge to host a special USMC dinner, with local elected officials in attendance. It was there that Raymond Foster, a past master, first learned about the issue of food insecurity among military families.

Research shows that one in five military families face food insecurity—including one in four active-duty families. That’s due to frequent relocation, unemployment rates among military spouses, and the high cost of living in certain areas.

In response, the lodge has worked to ease the burden. Teaming up with the local Rotary Club (of which Foster is also a member, and now a liaison), the lodge launched an online food drive, using the lodge hall as its headquarters. To date, the effort has attracted dozens of volunteer organizations, including Arcadia № 278, Fresno № 247, Hornitos № 98, Lancaster № 437, Mariposa № 24, Simi Valley № 806, South Valley № 187, and Naval № 87; as well as chapters of the Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, VFW, American Legion, and Kiwanis; and local businesses. The coalition has already delivered 33 tons of food and essential supplies to military bases at Twentynine Palms, Camp Pendleton, Fort Irwin, and Los Angeles Air Force Base. Additionally, the groups have raised more than $30,000 to fill pantry shelves, purchase holiday gifts, and provide emergency assistance funds.

Beyond its impact on affected families, the initiative has also elevated the lodge’s profile locally. “We’ve broken barriers and are more connected with the community than ever,” Foster says. “They know that Masons are men of substance and action, and that they can rely on us for service.”

For more information, visit FeedingMilitaryFamilies.org