Winter appears to be here to stay, but staying warm will be a little easier for the 122 students at West Ironton Kindergarten.

Thanks to the generosity of the Lawrence Lodge 198 Free & Accepted Masons, all of the children have a new pair of gloves and a cozy new toboggan.

"This is needed in the community," said Walt Butler, secretary for the local Masons chapter. "Within our organization, we do a lot of projects in the community. This is just one that we do because the kids need it."

Tyler Milleson was excited about the new winter gear and said he can't wait until he gets the chance to use it when Mother Nature brings snow.

"I want to have a snowball fight with my dad," he said. "Now I have a new hat and gloves."

Alex Shope was equally excited because she not only got new winter wear, but she was also able to get pink and blue items - her favorites.

"Pink is my best friend's favorite color, but I like pink, too," she said with a huge smile. "Blue is my favorite."

West Ironton secretary Charla Reedy said that this is a tremendous service for the children.

"If (these) guys didn't do this, there are kids who wouldn't have hats and gloves," she said.

What is the most rewarding part for the Masons?

"Just seeing those smiles on the children's faces," Butler said. "They seem like they get excited about it."

All the items were new and came from donations by the members, the York Rites and the Order of the Eastern Star, Butler said.

This is the second year the group has made the donations and it will be an annual event, Butler said.

Jimmie Davis, master-elect of the masons, and Will Ridgeway of the York Rite Ironton Commandry No. 45 also attended.