Wednesday, December 27, 2000

Shriners aid burn victims, youths

By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@TheCitizenNews

There are 191 Shrine temples, or chapters, throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama.

Fayette County is home to one of those and carries a membership of 110 persons. They converted an empty day care center several years ago and that serves as the center of a number of yearly events. It is at 114 Ellis Road, Fayetteville.

The organization is best known for creating children's hospitals, which all have a three-fold purpose: treatment, research and education. The first such hospital was in Shreveport, La. in 1922. There are now 18 orthopedic hospitals, three burn hospitals and one that provides orthopedic, burn and spinal cord injury care.

This care to the patient is provided at no charge to the family.

The total 2000 budget for these hospitals came to $540 million with 95 percent of this amount going directly to patient care and research. The funds are raised through an endowment fund, fund-raising events and an annual assessment paid by every Shriner.

"We are very proud to be a part of all this," said Fayette chapter President Greg Harp.

"We also recognize the efforts on behalf of children here in Fayette County and are pleased to give a $1,000 donation to the Fayette Youth Protection Homes," he added.

For information on the group phone Walt Swafford at 770-460-2019.

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