Child ID Program Saturday At

Booth Library

Hiram Lodge #18, a Masonic Lodge in Newtown since 1791, will be sponsoring a CT CHIP, or Child ID Program, on Saturday, October 29, from noon to 5 pm. The program will be held at C.H Booth Library, 25 Street.

The CHIP Program offers parents or guardians a free opportunity to obtain positive identification for their child for safekeeping.

Participants will receive a  complete ID package that consists of the following components: a brief recorded interview, digital still photograph, fingerprinting of both hands, dental bite impression, and a cheek swab DNA/scent sample.

The recorded interview and still photo burned by the camera directly onto a mini-DVD-ram disc can only be viewed by Connecticut law enforcement if and when the parent turns it over to them to search for their missing child. Together with the DNA sample and dental impression, these identifying items provide a most powerful identification and recovery tool.

Since its inception in January 2003, Connecticut Freemasons have raised and contributed the more than $220,000 necessary to provide this comprehensive Child ID service for 30,000-plus Connecticut families at no cost to parents.

For more information, e-mail hiram18@ctfreemasons.net or visit CTchip.org.