The Athens Masonic Lodge No. 16 has been busy this holiday season spreading cheer to Limestone Countians in need.

Following a long tradition of community service, Mason Bob Hickman said they kicked off the holidays by providing food boxes to 10 local families. The boxes contained a fresh turkey and the fixings to make a complete Thanksgiving meal.

Each year, the lodge relies on its members, local churches and Athens Fire & Rescue to provide them with the names of families who need a little extra help during the holidays.

“Part of what we are taught as masons is to help people in our community who need help,” Hickman said.

In addition to supporting families at Thanksgiving, lodge members gave 28 fruit and candy baskets to masonic widows just before Christmas.

“Historically, we have always supported our widows and orphans,” he said. “That is originally why the masons were formed, because a couple hundred years ago there were no social services to take care of people. Helping others, especially our widows and orphans, is just something we carry on even today.”

The group also managed to collect enough money from their 140 members to purchase gift-filled toy packs for five children who may not have received Christmas presents this year. Each toy pack was valued at $250. The masons even had a little money left to donate to Hospice of Limestone County.

“We like to help them out because of the good work they do and because they are a nonprofit hospice center,” Hickman said.

Willard Williams, the worshipful master of the Athens lodge, recently presented a $400 check to Suzanne Paysinger, director of Hospice of Limestone County.

Hickman said those interested in learning more about becoming a mason are invited to join the group for dinner at 6 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month or for breakfast at 8 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. The Athens lodge is at 18071 Lucas Ferry Road.