Masonic program assists senior needs

The Oklahoma Masonic Charity Foundation donated $720,586 to the Oklahoma Association of Area Agencies on Aging (O4A) for the year 2013. The Masonic donation is set up to assist persons 55 years of age or older with direct services and has been allocated between the eleven AAA’s that cover the entire state. The Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG’s) portion of the donation is $67,702.  ASCOG serves an eight county area including Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Grady, Jefferson, McClain, Stephens and Tillman counties.

The Masonic Assistance Program is the only statewide organization that covers gaps between existing assistance programs. This community pledge addresses such needs as assistance with minor home repairs, access ramps and modifications to doorways and bathrooms, as well as the purchases of dentures, eyeglasses and emergency medical equipment. Since the beginning of the program in 2007, the Oklahoma Masonic Charity Foundation has donated nearly $5 million to the O4A in the name of the Freemasons of Oklahoma.

ASCOG’s information and assistance coordinator receives calls daily from seniors with needs that might go unmet if it were not for the generosity of the Masonic Charity Foundation. Anyone needing information about caregiver support, senior services, or the Masonic grant can call the Senior Info Line at 1-800-211-2116.