Queen Esther Chapter #26 Brings Christmas to the Masonic Children's Hospital

The Masonic Santa project began in 2005 when Jeff Elwell, an 18 year old Mason and Leukemia patient at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s hospital asked his Dad, “Santa Mike Elwell”, to help bring gifts to the children on the oncology ward.

Mike, a member of a professional Santa’s Group, distributed toys donated by family and friends that year. Before Jeff passed away in 2006, he asked his father to continue this project. As a Past Master of Newport Lodge, and Past Patron of Queen Esther Chapter, OES, Mike brought in the support of the Masonic Fraternities.

Santa Mike, too, died of complications of cancer in 2013. His family, with the support of his Masonic Lodge and OES Chapter and MANY friends, have continued the project. Inspired by the wonderful support we have gotten each year with donations from individuals and organizations, and a Minnesota Masonic Charities grant, we were able to distribute over $5,000 of toys and gifts for the children at the hospital in 2019.

The participants are paid in smiles, giggles and tears as they visit children on the many floors of the Masonic Children’s Hospital. It is indeed a touching event, and smiles and thank you’s we receive that day are the best of Christmas gifts ever.