CHILD IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM (CHIP)

What is the mission of Freemasonry?

To promote a way of life that binds like-minded men in a worldwide brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences: by teaching the great principles of brotherly love, relief and truth: and by the outward expression of these through it’s fellowship, it’s compassion and it’s concern to find ways in which to serve God, country, family, neighbors and self.

The Child Identification Program is fulfilling part of our mission. It is absolutely a FREE SERVICE!!! Thanks to our sponsors, who can be seen on our webpage, www.columbusmasons.com. This program is being used throughout the country to help the identification of those individuals who are at high risk. The Center for Missing and Exploited Children statistics show that on average, a child is reported missing every 43 seconds.

It’s not just for children, but anyone who might be at risk of getting lost or abducted. How many college students are found to be missing every year?

What if you had a complete identification kit with your loved one’s DNA swab, current pictures, a short video, and all their fingerprints contained on a CD, that you could hand to the police officer, who can immediately take it and get the information forwarded to start an Amber Alert? That critical information can be used by the media to get your loved one’s picture out immediately! Time is one of the most critical elements in an abduction case!

ALL the collected information is given to the parent or guardian, one for each child. We do not “implant CHIPS”, nor do we take the DNA sample, we explain to the child how to swab their cheek, or Mom or Dad does it. The only piece of paper we keep is the parent or guardians’ signed permission slip. We do not keep any of the child’s DNA, fingerprints, pictures or video. It’s all deleted from the computer in the presence of the parent. The only people who have access to the information are the parent or guardian!

We have completed approximately 150 kits so far. We have held several events, but haven’t had the turnout as we had hoped, with approximately 1500 children enrolled in USD 493 alone! The school board is impressed with this program, and has donated the 1500 CD’s for our use!

We have visited with three daycare centers in Columbus, and have completed an event at two of them, with the third later this week. We will be having another event Saturday, February 16^th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 633 Garfield, across from Park school.

We urge you to bring your loved one to have this identification completed. Remember, a parent or guardian must accompany any child under the age of eighteen. Visit our website at www.columbusmasons.com for further information and a calendar of events. You can also call (620)429-3971, and leave a voicemail. One of us will call you back.

Hope to see you soon!

Prudence Lodge #100

Child Identification Program Committee (CHIP)

Dave Hensley, Chairman