Masons provide free ID program to local children

Published: March 11, 2010

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Northumberland - Parents and guardians are invited to bring their children to a free Child Identification Program (CHIP), on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Nottingham Village, 100 Strawbridge Road. CHIP will include the following:

Video and Still Photo: A digital video is recorded in front of a height chart backdrop, as well as a digital still photograph. The still photo captures the child's appearance. The CHIP interview captures a child's appearance, speech, mannerisms and other personal characteristics. These are recorded and saved and can quickly be distributed by law enforcement officials to the media.

Fingerprints: Each child's fingerprints are taken in the traditional manner, using inkless print pads (safe for children), to provide clear and readable prints.

DNA: A DNA kit is provided to the parent or guardian to be completed at home as soon as possible. The DNA kit includes envelopes for hair samples, nail clippings and an oral swab for a saliva sample.

All of these items are placed in a small vinyl "Purple Packet" that parents can put in a safe place for emergency reference, or take with them on trips away from home. The "Purple Packet" is fully compatible with, and has been adopted by the "AMBER ALERT" system.

Since the start of CHIP, almost 320,000 children have been CHIP'd. The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation and the Masonic lodges of Pennsylvania have committed to continue identifying youth in Pennsylvania in 2009. The program is provided for free as a result of generous public and private donations.

Anyone may initiate a CHIP event; however, all coordination of events is through the Masons of Pennsylvania, and all events are sponsored by the Grand Lodge or by a local Masonic lodge. For more information about CHIP, visit www.pagrandlodge.org.

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