Matawan Masons Make a Big Impact with 'Small Act of Service'

In a recent message to his Masonic brothers, Jeffrey Carpenter of Masonic Lodge #192 wrote, "Change begins with one small act of service in our communities."

The "small act of service" Jeffrey described in his message is the ongoing collection of food, money, and medical supplies aimed at assisting those organizations and people in Matawan and surrounding communities, most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These collections began when a member of the Matawan Masons received a call from a local religious community leader informing him of a family in need of food. The family was having a hard time making ends meet when the mother, a nurse, was diagnosed with COVID-19 and unable to work.

Over the past ten weeks, Masonic Lodge #192 has collected money and supplies for those on the frontline fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, such as local religious communities, police departments, food kitchens, first aid squads, and military units. These donations include 110 cases of food to food kitchens in Central Jersey, and over 400 surgical masks to local first aid squads, such as the Sayreville Emergency Squad.

The Masonic Hall at 192 Main Street in Matawan has served as a collection point where individual donors and organizations can drop off money and supplies for those in need during these trying times.

Mason Robert Meyer told Patch on Saturday that collections have been supported by a number of national organizations with chapters in the area including the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the American Legion.

Founded in 1910, the Matawan Masons are known throughout the community for their numerous acts of charity. Americans can always use more "small acts of service" such as those the Masons are currently providing to people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on Masonic Lodge #192, and their ongoing COVID-19 relief collections, visit their official website at http://www.matawanlodge.org/