Donald Mason 4 mayor of hazleton

I know the value of community. As a child I have always known that service to others is something that would define my life. Since 1979 I have served the community in which I lived in, in one area or another, starting as a volunteer with the Yardley-Makefield Emergency Unit, where I received the Yardley-Makefield Emergency Unit Service award for life saves. As the years passed I have volunteered for numerous organizations and eventualy organized a benefit concert to raise funds for A.I.D.S. research, which was recognized by members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1993. Following my fundraising activities I started a volunteer emergency management service in California after the 2007 wildfires, in which I was recognized nationally as a recipient of the Carol Tracey Community Service Award. Hence, it became my passion and history of volunteer service that eventually led me to study for and receive my Masters of Business Administration in Non-Profit management in 2009. However, besides volunteering in the community I have also been active with the Republican National Commitee, and in 2004 I was honored by the Republican National Committee for my work with the RNC. Below are some of the other things I have done within the communities I have lived in.

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Wherever I feel the need to serve I do my best to answer that call. Since the 1980's the epidemic known as A.I.D.S. was ravaging young members of our society, and this disease was not selective. Given this, in 1993 while between military enlistments I organized a community based concert event which was recognized by members of the United States House of Representatives. 

I know the value of community. On Thanksgiving of 2008 in San Diego, CA., the news reported that the Salvation Army lost over 300 toys when their storage facility was flooded. As founder of San Diego Volunteers I was able to replenish those toys and was humbled that I was able to make a difference in the lives of over 300 families and their children on Christmas day.

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As I have always been blessed, I felt it was important not to forget those who were homeless and forgotten by others. Each year on Christmas night while living in San Diego, CA,. myself, Domenick Schurck, Stuart Glaser, and a few others provided meals and clothes to those who were sleeping on the street and hungry. It was our belief that as we were fortunate throughout the year that we could sacrifice this one night for the sole purpose of letting the few know that they were not forgotten.

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In February 2009, I received a phone call from a staffer from The Center of Missing and Exploited Children. A young girl named Chelsea King was abducted. While there were volunteers to search the streets, there was nobody at that moment who had experience in rough terrain search. I quickly assembeled a team of experienced in searches of this kind and we began our work; unfortyantely the outcome was devastating to all those involved. For the next few years if needed myself and members of my organization, San Diego Volunteers, assisted as needed in a variety of functions. 

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