On June 9^th a group of our young men from traveled to Charlotte and were treated to a day at the NASCAR Hall of Fame!  The group departed from MHCO at 6:30 that morning.  A quick stop was made at the Burlington Shrine Club for everyone to stretch their legs and grab a biscuit or two for the ride.  The caravan didn’t stop again until they reached Charlotte.  There we met Brother Gary Cooke, who led them the rest of the way to the Hall of Fame.

Upon arrival, our group was led to a classroom for our first activity.  There we met NASCAR driver David Ragan!  He spoke to us about what it is really like to be a racecar driver.  He also signed autographs for everyone and answered questions from our group.  We were thrilled to meet him and learn more about his line of work.

Next, we participated in an activity to help us understand how much money you would need to fund an actual racecar.  Our hosts asked questions and correct answers earned play money for the groups.  They were able to purchase items to help them build a much smaller car of their own.  They could even purchase consulting if they had enough play money!  The groups worked very hard building their cars and when we were all done, each group was able to send their car on a ride.  The cars all looked different…and some looked funny!  It was a fun and engaging activity!

Next, we had lunch!  We were treated to Bojangles chicken tenders, fries, and biscuits.  Our boys were hungry, and they ate all they could hold!

After lunch, we were able to split up and explore the museum areas on our own.  We were also given an All-Day Pass for the Simulator.  Our group REALLY enjoyed the Simulator.  There was quite a bit of competition amongst our folks.  As you can see from the picture, Mr. Johnny Surles was victorious for that particular race.  Our young men also enjoyed causing other drivers to wreck…. even before they left Pit Road!  Did I mention they were competitive?

Other activities the group enjoyed included performing a pit stop with an actual car.  One person operated the jack, another was responsible for drilling the lug nuts, and a third filled the gas tank.  Three of our young men performed a complete pit stop in under 8 seconds, setting an incredible record for the day!  We were also able to see and experience “Glory Road” where there were real racecars.  We saw tons of memorabilia and learned a lot about NASCAR, how it was founded, NASCAR champions, Hall of Fame inductees, and we even saw Lightin’ McQueen!

After a fun filled day at the Hall of Fame, our group travelled to the Oasis Shrine Temple in Charlotte.  That was great planning on our hosts part because are young men were definitely hungry again!  They served us a delicious dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, tossed salad and all the fixings, French bread, and homemade desserts.

The Masonic Home for Children is grateful to those who provided this amazing experience to our young men.  This day will be a memory for them to look back on for many years to come.  Thank you all so, so much!  The special donors who contributed, planned, and funded this activity are as follows:

 

• The NASCAR Hall of Fame
• Brother Brad & Dianne Orr
• WB Gary & Lisa Cooke
• Matthews Masonic Lodge No. 261
• West Gate Masonic Lodge No. 738
• Metrolina Shrine Club
• East Gate Masonic Lodge No. 692
• Newell Masonic Lodge No. 739
• Long Creek Masonic Lodge No. 205
• Andrews Masonic Lodge No. 702
• WB Bobby Burchell
• WB & Mrs. Bob McIntosh
• Brother Donnie Wrenn
• WB Brian Turner

 

 

Saturday, March 19^th started out cool and overcast.  That didn’t stop some special friends of The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford from visiting and participating in the 9^th Annual Great Landscape Event!

Several groups returned to help ready the scenic campus for Spring.  The Rowan County boys were assigned to God’s Half Acre as usual.  Past Grand Master and former MHCO Board Chairman Dewey Preslar was joined by David Carmichael, Spencer Carmichael, MHCO Board Vision Committee Member Ken Small, Heath Hager, and Woody Weddington.  The group also adopted and were joined by Past Grand Master and MHCO Board Chairman Speed Hallman.

MHCO Board member Kathy Johnson, along with her husband Ed and her son Ned, both members of Vandora Masonic Lodge No. 745, once again worked to beautify the front of the York Rite Chapel.  Joining them at the chapel were the Grand Worthy Advisor of the Grand Assembly of North Carolina, Miss Stephanie Vargas, as well as the State Executive Committee Chairman, Miss Anna Null.

Also in attendance were a few Rainbow Girl Assemblies from across the state to include Wayne Assembly No. 93, Trinity Assembly No. 93, Raleigh Assembly No. 4, Winston Salem Assembly No. 37, Hillsborough Assembly No. 77, Oxford Assembly No. 86, and Fayetteville Assembly No. 22.  These girls and their chaperones spread mulch at all the playground areas.  One chaperone was none other than MHCO Ambassador Bill McMillan.  A few of them also joined Ken Small in planting a number of Dogwood trees on campus in honor of alumni and friends we lost to Covid-19.

Raleigh Masonic Lodge No. 500 was represented by several members.  They focused on cleaning the pool and pressure washing the picnic shelter!  Picking up sticks and cutting them to a manageable size was handled by a small but mighty family member!  Their mascot George (the Labrador Retriever) even helped by trying to soak up some mud puddles!

Seth Bowen and his crew from Green Acres Lawn and Landscaping were here to help our volunteers as needed.  He and his crew do an amazing job of keeping our campus looking great year-round.

Special thanks also to our staff.  Kevin and Kevin Otis picked up trash along Forest Avenue and College Street.  Victor and Henry from our maintenance department delivered all needed supplies to each work site, and they were on hand to help as needed.  Gene, Alvin, Yancey, and Tina transported water to our volunteers and drove them to their assigned areas.

We are so grateful for the help of so many dear friends!  Make plans to join us for the 10^th Annual Great Landscape Event on March 18, 2022!

 

View below MHCO’s two new spots airing on WGHP Fox8…please share!

 

 

 

On Friday, July 30, 2021, the children and staff of MHCO were treated to a great night of fun, food, and even fireworks!

Our VIP kids could eat all they wanted…and they could choose from hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches!  (Or they could have them all!)  There were sodas, bottled water, and potato chips as well.  Each of them enjoyed a delicious and refreshing Sno-Cone for dessert!  They participated in the sideline entertainment between innings.  And there were fireworks to light up the sky before they headed back to Oxford!  It was an amazing experience and a wonderful memory our kids will always be able to look back upon.

A simple “Thank You!” hardly seems enough to express our gratitude!  Thank you to all listed below for making a difference in the lives of our children!

• Jason Ross Auto Sales

• Jason and Kellie Ross

• Brother Jeff Ross

• Sammy Ross

• Allan Ross

• Thomas Ross

• The Burlington Sock Puppets & General Manager Thomas Vickers

• Alvin and Fran Billings

• Bob and Christine Hoblit

• Lindsay Billings

• Worshipful Brother Albert Freeman

• The School of Graphic Arts

It’s that time of year again and our kids will be heading back to school in a few short weeks!  Below is a list of school supplies they need! 

If you’d like to help, call 888-505-4357 or email lfrederickson@mhc-oxford.org.  Thanks!

 

2021-2022 School Supply Needs List:

Earbuds and Headphones are greatly needed for ages three to 22!

Various Art Supplies Required for Art Classes

• Art 4B Drawing Pencils
• Sketch Pads for middle and high school art classes
• Small paint sets for art classes
• Watercolors
• Pink Art Erasers
• Permanent Markers
• Poster Board (all colors)
• Science Fair Type Display Boards
• Stencils for letters and numbers

 

General Supplies Needed

• 1 inch binders
• 2 inch binders
• 3 inch binders
• Pre-Kindergarten/Primary Writing Paper Tablets
• Mechanical Pencils
• .8 Lead for mechanical pencils
• Hand-held sanitizer
• Lysol or Clorox Wipes
• Copy Paper
• Cardstock copy paper for projects, awards, certificates
• Notebook Page Dividers
• Graph paper
• Combination Locks
• Post-it Notes/Pop-Up
• Clear tape
• Paper Towels

 

Tutoring Supplies Needed

• Skill (Math, Reading, Science, History) workbooks for tutoring and extra practice (all ages)
• Manipulatives for counting, sorting, ABC practice (educational/skill-based games)
• Academic Award Ribbons/Medals
• Prizes for our Academic Wellness Gift Store (small toys/games, gift cards
• Small Dry Erase Boards
• Expo Dry Erase Markers and eraser

 

Technology Resources Needed

• TI 36X Calculators
• TI 84 Calculators
• Chromebooks

 

MHCO is proud to announce the opening of “The Bike Shop”!  This new “department” at MHCO was started by Joey and Kenny!  These two amazing guys and their wives are House Parent couples here at the Home.  They’ve set up this space to repair and improve the bikes our kids are already riding as well as store new and donated bikes for future use!

Since they are just getting started, they are in need of some tools and and other necessities listed below.  If you’d like to help out, please contact Joey and Kenny directly at bikeshop@mhc-oxford.org.

Bike Shop Wish List:

• Tool Box
• Screwdriver Set
• Rubber Mallet
• Spoke Tool
• Allen Set
• Hex Set
• Vice Grips
• WD 40
• T Handle Set
• Power Strip
• Socket Set (Standard & Metric)
• Wrench Set
• Extension Cord (50 Ft.)
• Fans
• Tube Repair Kit
• Adjustable Wrench
• Cycle Repair Kit

 

MHCO is entering its 148th year of caring for children in need!

We are older than:

• Airplanes

• Motorcycles

• Automobiles

• Television

• Movies

• Light Bulbs

We are able to continue to fulfill our rich heritage because of the generous support of many giving hearts!  Please help us continue caring for children in need for another 148 years.  CLICK HERE TO DONATE AND SET UP YOUR RECURRING GIFT!

Growing Hearts, Brighter Futures

 

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all. We especially pray for the children in our care, the staff providing the front-line services, the medical and first responders sacrificing for others, all our families, all those in the Fraternity, and all those impacted directly. Economic and domestic challenges will negatively impact families. Please help refer families who are going through troubling circumstances. MHCO can provide for the children, while families get back on their feet.

MHCO continues to take a cautious approach to opening up. Events on campus are primarily cancelled through July. Some visitors have been allowed on a case by case basis depending on the nature of their business and the ability to remain safe. Visitors are not entering any cottages. A decision regarding the Masonic Homecoming Festival will be made by the 8/14 Board Meeting.

The campus remains active with the pool, gym, playgrounds, bike rides, and summer academy. Children have become Pen Pals with WhiteStone residents, one of which grew up at Oxford Orphanage. We appreciate WhiteStone reaching out to suggest this wonderful connection between our residents.

We look forward to rescheduling, visiting, inviting, and being personally connected with everyone soon. Videos are out and being developed to celebrate and recognize several of these events, as well as, provide ongoing information regarding your Children’s Home. Check them out below and on the MHCO Facebook page.

We continue to focus on the positives and opportunities this situation has provided. The campus is active with laughter and play. Staff and residents are serious about doing their part to help keep all safe. We are prepared to provide virtual presentations. Let us know if your lodge, church, business, etc. is interested and we will Zoom right to you.

We still miss seeing everyone and hope to be able to visit soon!