Relief Society Week of Service

I looked forward to the week of service with great anticipation thinking we could make a positive difference in the community.  I believe we achieved that goal even though we were small in numbers. 

Tuesday night was a success, and we had a lot of ladies come and participate.  There was something for everyone.  We had a group of ladies in the kitchen making up meals for families in need in the future.   Ladies learned how to crochet baby blankets from those who were more skilled at the craft.  Books of Mormon were marked, birthday bags for the Russell House were prepared and even a few books were collected for PCRMC.  It was fun walking around listening to the different conversations going on.  I enjoyed getting to know the ladies better.

On Wednesday afternoon, we met at the Community Partnership.  We did a lot of work sorting and hanging clothes.  We got a lot accomplished in the two hours we were there.  It was nice knowing someone would be able to come and purchase the clothing for themselves and their family.  Those who attended:  Sister Georgia Cox, Sister Sue Christensen, Sister Hanke, Sister Debbie Blank and Sister Chantel Markel.

Thursday morning was the highlight of the week for me.  We were able to go to the Russell House.  Domestic Violence shelters are dear to my heart as I have been a victim advocate for many years.  Angela was so great in giving us a tour of the facility.  The facility is very impressive and houses approximately 62 people (women and children).  It was so clean and very well run.  We had the opportunity to go to a storage room where there were clothes everywhere.  We pulled everything out and sorted clothes by size and gender and folded them and put them on shelves according to size and gender.  We also hauled out things that needed to be donated to Community Partnership and also took some trash out.  It looked fantastic when it was completed, and we all left feeling like we had accomplished something great.  The clothes closet is being given a name of a young boy who lived there with his mom at one time and loved the Russell House.  He died of an asthma attack about 6 months ago, so they felt it was appropriate to name the clothes closet after him.  They are in need of more boys and teenager boys clothing.  Those who attended:   Sister Tina Miller, Sister Sue Christensen, Sister Sheila Lloyd, Sister Chantel Markel.

On Saturday and throughout the week, sisters went to visit Sister Beemer.  Some of us weren’t able to get in to see her – perhaps she was resting.  But, I’m sure she felt loved from those who were able to visit. 

I feel blessed to have been able to serve in the community.  It was a great opportunity to see the good that people are doing within our church and within our community.