Farmville Lodge 41 A.F.&A.M. and Robert Morris Chapter 150 O.E.S will host a Virginia Child Identification Program (VACHIP) protection packet development in conjunction with an Open Lodge event for educating interested individuals regarding the Masonic organizations.

The event will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the Masonic Lodge, 201 Catlin St. in Farmville (across from the National Guard Armory).

The VACHIP “program is a comprehensive child identification and protection tool designed to give families a measure of protection against the ever increasing problem of missing children. We collect every bit of data law enforcement officials require when a child is reported as missing or abducted, and provide it to the parent or guardian for use in the event that they go missing.  We do not retain any of the information collected.”

A number of families registered for VACHIP during the recent “Rock the Block” event at Longwood Landings and the Masons will have on-site registration available for walk-in visitors at the lodge. They will also provide games and activities for children during the event. VACHIP packet processing may require an hour or so depending upon turnout.

Tours of the Masonic Lodge and opportunities to learn about Masonry or Eastern Star will be available during the entire event.

Picnic style food will be provided for all. The program and event are open to the public and there is no cost for VACHIP packet development or food.