KIDS ID Program at Arcana

On Saturday, May 17, 2003 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Arcana Lodge #187 will provide the KIDS Program for parents and children in our community at the Mississippi Clean-up Project at North Mississippi Park.

How Does the KIDS Program Work? 

This program uses a preprinted form for the parents to fill out biographical data regarding the child. We assist with putting the child's fingerprint on this form and use a digital camera to capture a photograph of the child, which is given to the parent on a 3.5" floppy disk. None of the information is saved by the Lodge, This process takes between 1 to 2 minutes. The form also provides instructions on how to take a DNA sample of the child, and preserve it. Thus, if the child is lost or abducted, the vital information has already been prepared for the immediate use of law enforcement and the media. The faster such information is available, the more likely the child can be retrieved. A preprinted paper provides Child Safety Tips for the children and parents along with instructions on what to do if a child is missing. This information is on the back of the ID information.

Why Is the KIDS Program Important?

In the news, all too often, we see stories of  lost children or the apparent abduction of a child. It has become a major concern of every parent and of our society at large. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in the period from June 1984 through September 1992, the following cases were reported nationally: 16,902 runaways, 11,141 family abductions, and 1,471 lost or otherwise missing children. Of these, 20,594 were located alive and 304 were located deceased. This leaves 10,063 still unaccounted for. And the situation is getting worse.

Arcana Masonic Lodge Number 187 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons is proud to be able to provide this valuable service for the safety of the children in our community.