Local Shriners Raise Money For Hospitals

Another volunteer spends time in ‘Jail’ waiting to be bailed out.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Going to jail can have its benefits. That’s what volunteers were doing on Friday as they allowed themselves to be locked up to raise money for the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Bank Iowa of Oskaloosa once again played host to the event, where the Mahaska County Pork Producers grilled and sold their famous pork burgers, along with a bag of potato chips and a drink, for a donation, with the money going to the hospital.

Tim Murry spoke about the fundraiser being hosted by the Mahaska County Shrine Club called “Jail and Bail.” Funds were raised by those volunteers who got locked up in the “Keystone Cops” truck. They would then solicit donations in order to get ‘bailed’ out. “There have been many contributions from individuals and businesses in the area”, Murry said.

Murry and the Shriners had a goal of raising $5,000, “but we could surpass that this year”.

One local young lady, Abby Lumsden, wanted to help the Shriners raise money this year as well, so she used her birthday to help accomplish that goal.

Abby was inspired by one of her sister’s friends, who used her birthday to raise money for Haiti. Instead of getting presents, money would be donated to that cause. “I thought it was a good idea to do it for the Shriners Children’s Hospital.” The idea to donate came from watching a piece on a television show that highlighted the work at the Shriners Hospitals.

The experience helped Abby feel good about her accomplishment and she would suggest that others might enjoy doing that as well.