Operation Orphans by Mark Dillow

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress… James 1:27a, NIV

Members, I have long been convicted that as a Christian group, we first and foremost should reflect the character of Christ.  As a hunting and fishing fraternity, we should look for ways to support our sports, and introduce others to it.  I discovered a group in Mason that allows us to “look after orphans” and introduce young people to hunting.

“Operation Orphans” provides hunts on hill country ranches for youngsters without parents or guardians.  They have a number of needs, as you might imagine, and I think our club can help out in a significant, but inexpensive way.  Most of us probably have a number of these items lying around the house, or could purchase an item or two at a minimal cost.  The officers hold a periodic collection drive for Operation Orphans.

The list of needs includes:

• Cash
• Stocking caps (Academy sells some for $.99 each)
• Cotton Jersey gloves
• Ammo – .223 in 55 gr. and .243 in 80 gr.
• New or gently used camo in all sizes (up to adult large for the bigger boys)
• Warm coats
• School clothes

Bring your items to the Club officers at any Club event or contact one of us to arrange a pick up.  Contributions will be accepted year round but we especially appreciate them right before Christmas.  Members are invited to see the ranch in action or volunteer as a guide.  They conduct several hunts each season.  They require competent females or couples to guide the girls.