Western Star Lodge No. 26 Masons Milan Hart and Dustin Stendel present a check to Albert Lea Salvation Army Maj. Sandy Hunt for $8,002.38 in matching funds tied to donations given at the Salvation Army red kettle Dec. 4. Members of the organization that day rang the bell that day at Hy-Vee and Bomgaars raising a separate $8,002.38, bringing the total given to the nonprofit to $16,004.76. Provided

Past Mason Jerald (Jake) Loper, who passed away last year, had coordinated the local Masons’ efforts as bell ringers with the Salvation Army. To honor him, efforts this year were named the Jake Loper Bell Ringing event. His wife, Betty, and family from around Minnesota came to ring the bell with the group, remembering the dedication he had in helping with needs during the Christmas season. Provided