A Monday night bingo crowd in Maricopa turned fun into funding as the Maricopa Moose donated proceeds from its weekly game to a local fire department, along with bags of stuffed animals meant to comfort children during emergencies.

Organizers said the donation to Ak-Chin Fire Department included $200 earmarked for child-related needs and multiple plush “Tommy Moose” dolls, a program the Moose describes as a tool for firefighters, police and paramedics to help distract and calm children at scenes such as car crashes, house fires and medical calls. The stuffed animals were presented as part of that effort, giving responders a simple way to offer comfort to kids in the moment, organizers said.

The event is part of a broader Moose Fraternity mission that supports national charity sites while also raising money for local causes. The fraternal organization traces its roots to 1888 and has lodges across the country, with a focus on Mooseheart, a 1,000-acre child city and school west of Chicago, and Moosehaven, a retirement community in Orange Park, Fla., for senior members.

“At the core of the Moose is serving those in need,” said organizer Andrew Anderson, who described the Maricopa lodge’s approach as pairing a “big program” of national support with community giving. The lodge also noted that its bingo nights are held at a local venue that matches the proceeds donated back into the community.

“It’s a lot of fun being here and getting to know everybody, said Moose President Jeff Bridgland. “I love what we’re doing.”

It’s grown so popular, Phoenix-based DJ Tony Cass makes the trek down every Monday to donate his time. 

The Maricopa lodge’s bingo program has grown steadily over roughly 15 weeks, organizers said, drawing larger crowds as word spread about the charity component. They credited volunteers and community partners, including a DJ who donates his time each Monday, and said the bingo committee selects recipients by gathering ideas from members and volunteers. Organizers said the crowd has grown so large that parking and table space have become tight on some nights.

In addition to the fire department donation, lodge representatives described other local efforts, including volunteering with a food pantry, providing holiday meals for families, and participating in toy drives. They said the lodge has also previously donated Tommy Moose dolls to other area fire agencies, including the Maricopa Fire Department and the Thunderbird Fire District.