With huge smiles on their faces, their heads and hands were toasty warm as West Ironton Kindergarten students tried on some new winter gear.

As the first snow flakes of the season fell Friday, the students prepared for the cold by receiving new toboggans and gloves courtesy of the Lawrence Lodge 198 Free & Accepted Masons.

Alexis DeLong said she picked out a pair of gloves that matched her favorite color -- red.

"I think the kids really appreciate and enjoy this," said Jimmie Davis, master elect of the masons.

Although he already had a hat or two,

Chase McFann said he was happy to have a new one.

The organization made sure to have enough for all 102 students so no one would be left out, Walt Butler, secretary for the local chapter, said.

"This is the only kindergarten in Ironton," he said. "So we can help a majority of the young kids from the city right here."

Principal Annette Massie said this was a real blessing and definitely answered a need within the building.

"It is very nice that anyone would take (young) children consideration with the cold weather approaching," she said. "A lot of kids would not have hats and gloves if they had not done this."

"I think it is just wonderful," she said. "I want to extend a real special thank you to the people that made this possible."

All the items were new and came from donations by the members, Butler said.

"Helping out is very important because with the economy in this area a lot of parents cannot afford stuff like this," he said. "It is heartwarming to see the smiles on their faces."

The masons plan to do this as an annual project and this is just one of the community services they try to provide, Butler said.