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Maryland Child Identification Program (CHIP)
The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons (A.F.&A.M) of Maryland strives to contribute to our communities throughout the state by dedicating our time and resources to our neighbors. One of the most important ways in which we can contribute is by helping to keep our children safe.
The Maryland Child Identification Program (CHIP) is an initiative launched by Freemasons in Maryland to help parents/guardians maintain current and accurate records that might prove critical in the event that their child goes missing. Data collected is placed in sole custody of the parents/guardians, and is not retained by the Masonic organization in any way, nor shared with any external entity.
The completed packet contains a CD with the child’s name address, height, weight eye and hair color, description of distinguishing marks, notes on any health issues, birth date, parent/guardian contact information, several photos, digital fingerprints and a brief video interview of the child talking on camera. A cheek swab is also used to collect a sample of the child’s DNA (parents of younger children may opt to do the DNA sample at home). All of the above is placed into an easily recognizable envelope and given to the parent/guardian for safekeeping.
Palestine Lodge #189 (837 Fredrick Rd, Catonsville - sharing a building with EC Roofing, on the Newburg Avenue side), is planning to host a CHIP event on September 7, during the Catonsville Art & Craft Festival to make this service available at (at no charge) to any family wishing to take advantage of this service to ensure their little ones can be more readily identified if they go missing.
We would appreciate it if you would share our eagerness to safeguard our children in Catonsville with the members of the your PTA. It's an opportunity for us to help our neighbors, and keep our children safe.
Kind Regards,
Garrett Hastings
The Maryland Child Identification Program (CHIP) is an initiative launched by Freemasons in Maryland to help parents/guardians maintain current and accurate records that might prove critical in the event that their child goes missing. Data collected is placed in sole custody of the parents/guardians, and is not retained by the Masonic organization in any way, nor shared with any external entity.
The completed packet contains a CD with the child’s name address, height, weight eye and hair color, description of distinguishing marks, notes on any health issues, birth date, parent/guardian contact information, several photos, digital fingerprints and a brief video interview of the child talking on camera. A cheek swab is also used to collect a sample of the child’s DNA (parents of younger children may opt to do the DNA sample at home). All of the above is placed into an easily recognizable envelope and given to the parent/guardian for safekeeping.
Palestine Lodge #189 (837 Fredrick Rd, Catonsville - sharing a building with EC Roofing, on the Newburg Avenue side), is planning to host a CHIP event on September 7, during the Catonsville Art & Craft Festival to make this service available at (at no charge) to any family wishing to take advantage of this service to ensure their little ones can be more readily identified if they go missing.
We would appreciate it if you would share our eagerness to safeguard our children in Catonsville with the members of the your PTA. It's an opportunity for us to help our neighbors, and keep our children safe.
Kind Regards,
Garrett Hastings