In Missouri, winters can be harsh, bringing freezing temperatures, snow, and even ice. For children, coats, mittens, and scarves are not just accessories; they are essentials. One Lodge is making sure no child goes without.
For WB Steve Banderman, Masonry and service are a family tradition. “It’s in my family,” Steve shared. “It goes back a long way.” His brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all Masons before him. Also, his mother and great-grandmother were members of the Order of the Eastern Star.
When he was 13, Steve joined the Order of the DeMolay. Then once he was old enough, he became a member of Fraternal Lodge No. 363. His work as a lineman required frequent travel, making it difficult to stay involved. Once he was able to work closer to home, he became active again, this time as a member of Easter Lodge No. 575.
Now, Steve and his Lodge Brothers dedicate their time to giving back, especially to local schools and children.
“Where we live, there are a couple of really small schools that don’t have much at all,” WB Steve said.
As an active alumnus of Londell R-XIV School, Steve knows firsthand the needs of families in the community. “They don’t have much, but they do a really good job with the kids,” Steve said.
A Tradition of Giving
Easter Lodge has built a long tradition of providing support during the holiday season, a time when help can mean the most.
Nearly five years ago, during a visit to Richwoods R-VII School, WB Steve noticed a small tree covered in tags. When he asked about it, he learned it was the students’ wish tree, filled with their holiday wishes. What struck him most was the nature of those wishes.
“I didn’t see a bunch of toys,” Steve recalled. “I saw coats and tennis shoes.”
That year, Easter Lodge raised enough funds to fulfill every wish on that tree. Each student received exactly what they asked for.
The Lodge’s giving did not stop there. Every December, members prepare baskets filled with food, hygiene items, and other essentials for local families. “We’ll go to the grocery store, load up on hams, pantry items, everything they might need, and deliver them in laundry baskets before [winter] break,” WB Steve said. “That way, the kids have something at home when school is out.”
Coats for Kids
This winter, Easter Lodge continued its traditions by raising funds for Londell R-XIV and Richwood R-VII Schools to purchase coats for their students.
The Lodge hosted raffles and their popular Trivia Night, a beloved community event that brings neighbors together for fun and a shared purpose.
“We make sure the community knows what we’re doing,” WB Steve said. “They all show up.”
The event is held at the Elks Lodge, which donates the use of their building. With a silent auction, live auction, and raffles, the Trivia Night has become a highlight of the year and a major fundraiser for local causes.
“We try to give to everybody as much as we can,” said Steve.
Through the Lodge’s efforts, Easter Lodge contributed $775 to each school for coats. The Masonic Home of Missouri’s Creating-A-Partnership Program matched those funds, bringing the total to $2,325 per school.
WB Steve Banderman presents checks to Monica Hiatt and Shannon Banderman from Lonedell School, and Lindell Conway from Richwoods School, supporting the purchase of coats for students in need.
Steve works directly with each school’s guidance counselors to ensure every coat reaches the children who need them most.
“To see those kids, not too far from where I grew up, to go home with a new coat, it means a lot,” he said.
The Spirit of Community
Brother Steve and his Lodge’s spirit of giving does not go unnoticed. One member of the Richwoods School Board, a fellow Mason, personally thanked the Lodge for their generosity.
“He told us that because they are not close to any big towns, they do not get many donations,” WB Steve said. “Even the smallest ones make the biggest difference.”
“A lot of people do appreciate what we are doing,” Steve said. “We are just proud to do it.”
How You Can Support Local Children
If your Lodge or Chapter is interested in making an impact in your community, we encourage you to explore the Creating-A-Partnership Program. Whether it is providing coats, school supplies, or hygiene items, every effort, large or small, can make a big difference for children and families who need it most.
