Men of Lake Oconee hold first meeting of 2022

Fat Tuesday earlier this month at Oconee Brewing was one to remember!  

The occasion?  

The first meeting of the year for the Men of Lake Oconee (MLO). And the location and the day weren’t the only things special about this meeting: It was also the first MLO meeting that had spouses/partners attending as well. 

The evening began with social time, and then pizza, salad and beer and wine led into some fun with a short ‘Name That Tune!’ game. After that, the 200-plus members and guests heard updated numbers relative to membership, projects, vehicles and Beds for Kidz, as well as heartwarming stories about some of the families in need that MLO helped in the last few months. Those stories illustrated that MLO recipients are truly in need of a hand up — further evidenced by more than a few tears seen in the room. 

For those that haven’t heard, Men of Lake Oconee is a new local service organization born in the fall of 2020 and designed to serve those in need in the community (Greene and Putnam counties) who need a hand up — not a handout. 

MLO’s focus: one-time critical need home repairs, repairing or replacing a primary vehicle for families, and Beds for Kidz — for kids who don’t have a bed of their own. MLO primarily serves older adults, children, the infirmed of all ages, single working mothers and their children, military veterans, developmentally and/or physically challenged individuals, and low-income families. 

In order to serve these neighbors MLO relies on two important elements: financial contributions and referrals of names of those in need. Financially, the group looks to its 200+ members as well as additional monetary donations from friends, neighbors, and the community-at-large. For referrals, the group actively and continuously engages with community partners and other individuals to identify those in need who meet the MLO criteria (all recipients must qualify) for assistance. Just some of the more than 20 community referral partners include: Atlas Ministries, Greene and Putnam county School Systems, Dr. Joan Antone, Victory Train and Avis Williams.  

The next Men of Lake Oconee meeting is scheduled for this summer and though it won’t be a Fat Tuesday meeting it will still be fun and provide members and guests with an opportunity to network and socialize while also learning about the latest families that have benefitted from the support received from this generous and caring community. 

Men of Lake Oconee is a unique group, organized to appeal to men who want to contribute to their community by giving some time and some money without having to commit to meetings, specific involvement, and unworkable time expectations. 

All men are invited — and encouraged — to join and help make a difference in the community in which they live. 

For more information on Men of Lake Oconee — or to join, suggest a qualified recipient, or make a donation — email Bob Massey at bob@foundationrs.com.