‘Black Santa’ brings toys and cheer to kids at Masonic Center, in Parkrose

INCLUDES HO, HO, HOLIDAY VIDEO | See how Black Santa PDX brought Holiday magic to the outer East Portland’s East Gate Masonic Lodge …

Dozens of families celebrate the Christmas Season at a special party put on by the East Gate Masonic Lodge, in Parkrose.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

This Holiday Season was made a bit brighter by members of the East Gate Lodge #155 of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Saturday evening, December 14th.

Take a look at the joy at this celebration in our exclusive video:

Although it was cold and damp outdoors, inside the Lodge, it was cozy – as guests were welcomed with coffee, hot chocolate, and a light meal.

It’s Omar Macelin, sitting with Black Santa PDX, along with Wilda Jean-Baptiste.

One group at a time was invited upstairs to have a one-on-one visit with the very jolly PDX Black Santa. He listened to their Holiday wishes and desires, and posed with the kids, and with entire families, for photos.

Happy to see the evening going well are East Gate Lodge Worshipful Master Michael Wall and Senior Warden Michael Hovey.

“We got the idea while speaking with Historic Parkrose interim Executive Director Annette Stanhope; it was that organization which hosted PDX Black Santa last year,” explained East Gate Lodge Worshipful Master Michael Wall.

“The best part about hosting this event was all of the positive vibes generated in the neighborhood,” Wall told East Portland News afterwards. “It was fantastic to provide the opportunity for the kids to have a chance to see Santa.

“And, Santa said he had a great time at the Lodge — before he had to run back to the North Pole,” Wall playfully remarked.

The Lodge’s event scheduler, Carina Lawson-Williams, is ready with more toys for good girls and boys.

In addition to the supper, this event, put on by four Lodge volunteers, put about 100 toys into the hands of the kids that evening.

“We will be having more neighborhood events in the New Year; and we look forward to seeing our friends there,” Wall said.

Neighbors enjoy a festive evening at this charming event.

To learn more about the East Gate Lodge #155 – they’ve been serving their community for more than a century – see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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