Pictured, from left, are Master Andrew Reiland and Treasurer Gary Kruzner.( Courtesy  photo )

Master Andrew Rieland and Treasurer Gary Kruzner of the Red Bluff Vesper Masonic Lodge presented a check in the amount of $7,000 at the monthly board meeting of the Tehama County Police Activities League (PAL), Oct. 21.

This monetary donation will allow Tehama County PAL to replace some worn equipment as well as purchase some much needed new equipment for the many programs offered to the youth of Tehama County.

The lodge mission is to support the Tehama County community through various projects, especially projects or programs directed toward the youth within our county, regardless of their backgrounds, personal financial abilities or, more importantly, their individual physical abilities.

The lodge and Tehama County PAL's mission is very similar. Normally, youth hanging out after school are not too thrilled when the cops show up.

But PAL is trying to change that. PAL is a youth crime prevention program that relies on education, athletics and other recreational activities to form a bond between law enforcement, youth and the community.

PAL provides opportunities for boys and girls to participate in a wide range of fun and stimulating activities all free of charge while teaching life lessons about the importance of community, leadership, education and team-building.

This collaboration between the Vesper Masonic Lodge and Tehama County PAL will allow the lodge to continue its goal to see that every child has the opportunity to participate in positive after school programs.