MARYSVILLE — Masonic Crystal Lodge 122 in Marysville provided cash donations to five local groups to help them cope with the tough times many are currently facing.

The Marysville Community Food Bank, the Everett Gospel Mission, and the Center for Battered Women, Christmas House and Deaconess Children’s Services of Everett each received a check for $500, adding up to a total of $2,500 donated by Crystal Lodge this holiday season.

According to Crystal Lodge member Ken Cage, Crystal Lodge holds various fundraising events throughout the year to raise these funds.

“Our strawberry shortcake is popular at the Strawberry Festival and Homegrown,” Cage said. “We also prepare a roast beef dinner and a seafood dinner for members and guests during the year.”

The income from these events, plus the individual donations that Crystal Lodge receives, allows it to support these groups annually.

The Masonic Fraternity is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world, and its charitable work in the U.S. alone totals over $2 million every day. Locally, Crystal Lodge 122 supports both schools and youth groups.