Criticism of local Shrine chapter ignores organization’s philanthropy

Times are changing, and We the People are definitely educating ourselves. There are so many organization, companies, groups, classes and thousands of people in our cities who have their opinions about the things that are of interest to themselves. It is also interesting how some spend their time doing research and investigating those things of interest to them.

I would like to suggest to the person who believes Shriners might have a toxic relationship with circus people that she spend equal time learning about the philanthropy of the Shriners. Does she know how many years the Shriners have spent caring for children all over the world? Does she know there are 22 Shriners hospitals in America that treat children from birth to 18 years of age free of charge? Has she ever visited a Shriners hospital to see the dedicated doctors and nurses who help these children? Does she know any Shrine members who have volunteered their time to drive children to the different hospitals for an appointment?

I am an 89-year-old Shrine widow. My husband was a 50-year member of El Kahir Shrine, volunteered many hours helping with projects that funded some of the activities held in order to provide medical assistance to children. My father was also a 50-year member of El Kahir Shrine.

Yes, We the People are the ones who can make changes happen, but let’s do it in a positive way by supporting El Kahir Shrine for the great service they provide.

Shirley Twiselton

Cedar Rapids