The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford welcomed throngs of visitors to its campus last weekend for annual Homecoming festivities, which included activities for the kids, live music, food and tours of some of the facilities.
And don’t forget the parade, said MHCO Administrator Kevin Otis.
“The weather cooperated and a lot of people seemed to really have a great time,” Otis said Wednesday on TownTalk.
A couple of dozen barbecue teams got all set up on Friday in advance of the Saturday cookoff, which began shortly after the traditional parade.
The parade route, however, wasn’t the traditional march down College Street onto the campus – this year’s parade was contained on the campus itself. And Otis said it all worked out fine.
“It was a very good parade, with a lot of people coming to watch it,” he said.
“The entire parade route, even though it was short, had a lot of people” lining the drive to check out all the entries.
Otis was pleased with the community support, from school bands and Scout groups to dance teams and cheer squads.
Visitors got a chance to tour the chapel, museum galleries and even one of the residential cottages. Otis said he has received positive feedback from those who said they appreciated learning more about the children’s home and what it offers young people and families.
“What we’re doing is helping families in need,” he said, whether it’s caring for children while parents work to get back on their feet or grandparents who become guardians of their grandchildren.
Otis said cottage parents co-parent with biological parents or guardians to make sure the children’s needs are being met while in residence at the home.
But there also is an independent living program for young adults ages 18-21 who may be struggling to make it on their own. They get set up in their own apartment while learning how to become independent.
“We’re doing a lot of good work and not just for local kids, but all over North Carolina.
Learn more at 919.693.5111 or visit https://mhc-oxford.org/.
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