PROJECTS

Projects supported by the Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodges include:

Educational Foundation - The Education Foundation of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows began on September 20, 1927. The purpose of the foundationo is to operate a Revolving Loan Fund for students and is supported by donations to a trust. Low interest rate loans are made for two or four year programs at an accredited college or university and for study at any recognized trade school after completion of high school.

Odd Fellow/Rebekah Visual Research Foundation - Odd Fellows and Rebekahs work to advance eye research through Professorships in Opthalmology at the world famous Wilmer Ophthalmoligical Institute at John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. The Odd Fellow World Eye Bank and Visual Research Foundation established in 1956 conducts intensive studies of corneal transplantation, allergic and congenital diseases of the eye.

The SGL/IARA Joint Youth Committee - Place some copy here, place some copy here, place some copy here, place some copy here, place some copy here, place some copy here, and place some copy here in this location.

United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth - Provides the opportunity for students who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school to learn about the work the United Nations is doing to promote world peace, to educate the people of the world and to relieve their suffering whether by famine, disease, or by war. No other organization is accorded this provilege. www.unpilgrimage.org

Arthritis Advisory Board - Odd Fellows and Rebekahs contribute to Arthritis Foundation where funds aid in research to find the cause, ways to prevent and treatment methods to fight this painful and crippliing disease.

Odd Fellow and Rebekah Home Association - The first Odd Fellow Home was established in 1872 in Pennsylvania. A Children's Home was established in 1885 in Corsicana, Texas. The Home for the Aged was established in 1905 where many members of the ORder as well as non-members have called this their home. The Retirement Center provides private rooms for each resident where all meals are provided and residents live independently with planned activities and plenty of time for socialization. A Nursing Home was opened in 1962 as an annex to the Home for the Aged. In July 1989 a newly designed 120 bed, nursing home was opened. The Nursing Home is staffed by full time registered and LVN nurses, pharmacist, dietician and an on call physician.

Hunger and Disaster Relief Funds - We deomonstrate our obligation in "relieving the distressed" by providing funds for aid in natural disaster of flood, fire or earthquake. The fund is supported entirely by donations and contributions by Odd Fellows and Rebekahs and the need for donations is always eminent.

Community Service and Living Legacy - Instituted in 1989 with the goal of planting trees to beautify the environment and improve our ecology. "Plant a tree for those who come after me". Many lodges have participated with their city Parks or Recreation Departments of School districts to plant trees in many areas where shade and environmental improvements would be appreciated. Often Lodges plant trees in honor of members who have passed away.

IOOF SOS Children's Village - Place some copy here, place some copy here, place some copy here, place some copy here, place some copy here, place some copy here, and then place some more copy right here.

Odd Fellows and Rebekah Rose Float - Through physical labor and financial assistance from many members, Odd Fellows and Rebekahs have been part of the Rose Parade on New Year's Day since 1955.