The Moose fraternity has a long history with helping children.  Since 1913 the Moose fraternity has helped children from around the United States.  They provide a nurturing and secure environment in which to learn and grow and this place is called Mooseheart.  It is within this same helping spirit that the Moose fraternity has started the Tommy Moose program.  Tommy Moose is a 12 inch plush stuffed animal that is given to first responders in the field to help them comfort children in traumatic situations.  Who knew that a 12 inch stuffed animal could make such an impact?

When a child experiences a traumatic event like domestic violence, natural disaster, accident or otherwise Tommy Moose is there to comfort them.  Our Tommy Moose program gets these comforting stuffed animals into the hands of first responders to give to children in distress.

Tommy Moose is making a difference.  First responders from around the country are praising the program as successful and helpful.  The Tommy Moose program is fast approaching a milestone.  They have given more than 100,000 of these friendly and comforting stuffed animals to departments around the nation.

The Centreville Moose is doing its part in helping to get Tommy Moose into the hands of our First responders too.  On Saturday December 12 2009, the Men and Women of our lodge donated Tommy Moose stuffed animals to the Fairfax City Fire Department.  The kids that attended the Breakfast with Santa event helped in the presentation.  Accepting for Fairfax City was Battalion Chief John Ahrens, Fire Fighter Will Neese and others.  We are in the process to extending this relationship with the Fairfax City police department too.  We are looking forward to a long relationship with both departments.  We will be replenishing the departments with more Tommy Moose’s as they run out.

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