Moose Lodge connects with community

MT. PLEASANT — First responders from Henry County received recognition from the Mt. Pleasant Moose Lodge with an appreciation meal last week.

  Buy Photo

According to Lodge Administrator Marc Feagins, approximately 30 first responders and their families from Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received meals of pulled pork, potato salad, chips, and brownies at the dinner last Thursday evening.

With the help of Henry County Health Center making donations to the meal and David Muhs and Heather Kleemeyer, lodge members happily served those that serve the Henry County community day in and day out.

“Best part of the evening was having so many first responders come in, great to be able to thank them for everything they do in the community and spend time getting to talk to them and their families,” Feagins said.

In addition to sharing a meal and saying thank you, the Lodge also gave the first responders Tommy Moose dolls to give to children in stressful situations for comfort.

“Tommy Moose started as a community service project in Connecticut and quickly became a nationwide thing, over 100,000 have been donated since 2002,” Feagins explained.

While this was the Lodge’s first time offering this appreciation dinner, Feagins hopes they will make this an annual occurrence as it embodies the organization’s mission to be actively involved in the community. In fact, their annual campaign for this year is specifically “Embrace the Community.”

According to Feagins they will continue to do this with events throughout the year supporting veterans and law enforcement and also engaging in a variety of events supporting children, specifically with internet safety and community events.

They plan to continue their engagement with the community as they host a fish fry this Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 from 5-7 p.m.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com