There are 191

Shrine temples, or chapters, throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico

and the Republic of Panama.

Fayette County

is home to one of those and carries a membership of 110 persons. They

converted an empty day care center several years ago and that serves as

the center of a number of yearly events. It is at 114 Ellis Road, Fayetteville.

The organization

is best known for creating children's hospitals, which all have a three-fold

purpose: treatment, research and education. The first such hospital was

in Shreveport, La. in 1922. There are now 18 orthopedic hospitals, three

burn hospitals and one that provides orthopedic, burn and spinal cord

injury care.

This care to

the patient is provided at no charge to the family.

The total 2000

budget for these hospitals came to $540 million with 95 percent of this

amount going directly to patient care and research. The funds are raised

through an endowment fund, fund-raising events and an annual assessment

paid by every Shriner.

"We are

very proud to be a part of all this," said Fayette chapter President

Greg Harp.

"We also

recognize the efforts on behalf of children here in Fayette County and

are pleased to give a $1,000 donation to the Fayette Youth Protection

Homes," he added.

For information

on the group phone Walt Swafford at 770-460-2019.