Swooping in, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Ironton Aerie 895 gave a helping hand to the law enforcement agencies and fire departments that help so many.

The Eagles presented the Ironton Fire Department, the Ironton Police Department and the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office each with checks for $12,425

Tuesday.

In compliance with the state's gaming laws about instant bingo, the organization must donate 50 percent of its profits to charity.

The organization chose to give 10 percent to each of these three local agencies and 20 percent to a variety of medical research charities sponsored by the state order of Eagles, said George Stamper, secretary of the Ironton aerie and also the current Central Zone state vice president.

"We are very pleased with these donations but would like to see better. This is not for the year," he said of the proceeds that are only from November to May games. "There is more to come by the end of October."

Mayor John Elam was excited about the donations, but has still had not had a chance to talk with the department heads to find the best way to use the money.

"We were extremely grateful to the officers, trustees and members of the Ironton Eagles for their benevolence towards the city of Ironton," Elam said. "Through their kind gesture, it will enable the city to purchase necessary items."

As an organization, Stamper said they would just like to see the money be used in a way to best benefit the community.

"All of these are something that you have to have in the community," he said. "Without these agencies, think how much homeowner's insurance would be or what kind of protection we would have without our police or fire departments."

None of this would be possible without all the Eagles members and the Ladies Auxiliary, Stamper said.

"I am proud to be a part of an organization whose motto is, 'People helping people,'" Stamper said. "I am proud to be a part of an organization helping the Tri-State area."