PERU — Several Free Masons recently brought their Child Identification Program (CHIP) to the Girl Scout Kick-off Rally and Community Day at the Old Peru School. The program collects vital information about children and gives it to their parents.
Minnie Hackett had her fingers printed and a picture taken. Her mother, Lacey Hackett, filled out an information sheet. They may have chosen to collect Minnie’s DNA with a cheek swab or hair from her hairbrush.
Mason Gary Young explained, “We collect all the information and put it on a computer disk. The parents keep the computer disk and the DNA sample on file in case it’s needed. While we hope it will never be needed, law enforcement has a place to start an investigation if necessary.”
Ellen Young, wife of Gary, was in charge of entering the information on the computer. As a life-long Girl Scout, she has a connection to both programs.
Other Masons included Clayton Bartlett and Bob Halacy. All volunteered to help keep children safe.
Bartlett is a member of the Bethel Lodge. Halacy is a member of the King Hiram Lodge in Dixfield and Young belongs to the Whitney Lodge in Canton.
Those who have a community event and would like to have the Masons set up the free service should go to www.mechip.org, then click on the Event Request tab and fill in the information. A Mason will be in touch.
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- Minnie Hackett has her fingerprints taken as she sips on water. Mason Gary Young made sure to get each print for a packet that Minnie’s mother will keep.
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