The Del Mar Masonic Lodge 1350 treated some needy families to a shopping spree.
The group worked took four families to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Saratoga this morning.
They gave the parents a $300 budget to buy Christmas gifts for their kids and the kids were given a $50 budget to buy gifts for their parents.
Lodge secretary Vincent Muscarello said the families, which were chosen by the principals at Meadowbrook Elementary and Haas Middle School, were very grateful for all the help.
“When we do this, the parents that get selected get overwhelmed,” Muscarello said. “We just had one lady break down and cry when we told her what her budget was to shop for the kids. If we weren’t doing this, these families probably would not have a Christmas.”
Muscarello went on to say that helping those in need is part of the Mason’s mission.
“Our philosophy is we were put on this Earth for a purpose,” Muscarello said. “To make the world better, and we do that by taking care of those that need to be taken care of.”
Wal-Mart surprised the lodge with a $250 gift card this morning and Subway treated the families to a free lunch. H-E-B also chipped in, giving the lodge a $300 gift card.
The group says it will use the money for holiday food baskets for these families.
“We are so appreciative of all of these partners, Subway, Wal-Mart and H-E-B chipping in to help us make this happen,” Muscarello added.
