The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that a true Latter-day Saint "is to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church, or in any other, or in no church at all, wherever he finds them" (Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1842, 732).
We would do well to follow the example of the Saints in Almas day who "did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick ... therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need" (Alma 1:30).
Many people see suffering in the world and want to do something to help, but they dont know how. President Thomas S. Monson suggested that "opportunities are everywhere. Needed are eyes to see the pitiable plight and ears to hear the silent pleadings of a broken heart" ("Never Alone," Ensign, May 1991, 61). Perhaps the first thing we should ask ourselves is, "How can we help those in our own families? in our own neighborhood? in our own city?"
The following are practical opportunities you might consider:
Pay a generous fast offering.
Give generously to the Churchs Humanitarian Aid Fund. All money donated to this fund goes to help the poor and needy of the world without regard to race, religion, or nationality.
Donate usable items, including clothing, to Deseret Industries. Not only will this benefit the needy within your community, but surplus items are sent to the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center for future relief efforts.
Volunteer to work at bishops store-houses, canneries, and welfare farms. Commodities produced at these facilities are used by the Church to provide humanitarian aid.
Ask your bishop or Relief Society president what help is needed in the ward.
Volunteer at an agency that assists people in your community. Established community organizations offer many opportunities to serveproviding meals to the homeless, teaching adults to read, mentoring at-risk youth. Such service not only blesses those in need, but fosters unity between Church members and the community.
Volunteer to serve a humanitarian mission. Opportunities are listed in a bulletin sent monthly to bishops.
Along with donations of time, local humanitarian organizations may need material resources, such as donations of blankets and hygiene kits. Guidelines for items used in Church humanitarian projects follow.
Although some items, such as tropical bandages, would not be used locally, many items could act as a starting point for individual, family, or Church-sponsored service projects. For example, hygiene kits might be assembled and given to residents of a local homeless shelter, newborn kits could be given to a hospital, sewing kits donated to a womens shelter, and quilts made for refugees who are new to our country.
Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center
Service project guidelines
The following guidelines are used to produce items shipped from the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center to needy people throughout the world. The guidelines help to ensure the usefulness and durability of materials that are distributed internationally.
Note: If the items are to be made as part of a Church-sponsored service project, Church leaders need to carefully consider anticipated costs and follow Church budget guidelines. Participation should be voluntary, and members should not be charged or given assessments to take part in the project. Materials may be donated by Church members or by local companies wishing to make a charitable contribution.
Completed items may be shipped or delivered in person to:
Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center
1665 Bennett Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Telephone: (801) 240-6060
Hours: 8:00AM 4:00PM, Monday through Friday
Newborn Kit
Basic Items:
Single or double receiving blanket (see blanket guidelines)
3-4 diapers (see diaper guidelines). These may be purchased. (Do not include disposable diapers.)
4 diaper safety pins (to be included with diapers)
SoapIvory or other non-allergenic brand
1 warm climate or cold climate newborn layette gown (see layette guidelines)
1 pair booties
For Domestic Kits:
Replace cloth diapers and safety pins with disposable diapers.
1 baby bottle with cap and nipple
diaper rash ointment (not petroleum jelly)
Instructions:
All clothing items need to be for the same climate (warm or cold).
Wrap diaper rash ointment in plastic and secure with a rubber band.
Put all items in a heavy duty two-gallon sealable bag removing the air.
Additional diapers may be donated.
Note: Most newborn kits are shipped internationally from the Humanitarian Center and bottles are not included because mothers in developing nations usually breast feed.
School Kit
Basic Items:
blackboard10" x 12" or 12" x 14" (painted with 1/8" Masonite)
eraserpurchased or homemade
chalkbox of 12
pencilsat least 3-5
pencil sharpener
paper or notebooks with 200-240 sheets
sturdy blunt-nosed scissors
durable cloth bag with drawstring closure
Optional Items:
simple, self-explanatory educational games such as matching, coloring, or numbers (English directions typically are not useful).
colored pencils (crayons and pens will not work because they may melt or dry out).
ruler
Instructions:
Blackboard paint is available in paint stores.
Sand edges and corners of blackboard round and smooth.
Make erasers with a soft cloth rectangle stuffed with batting.
Drill a hole in one corner of the blackboard and attach the eraser with a 22" cord or heavy string.
Make the bag of heavy fabric. Close bag with drawstring in casing.
Hygiene Kit
Basic Items:
2 unbreakable combs
1 toothbrush in plastic container or wrapped in plastic and secured with rubber band
2 regular-sized bars of soap or several small bars
1 terry cloth hand towel (may be purchased or sewn, see washcloth and hand towels guidelines)
1 terry cloth wash cloth (may be purchased or sewn, see washcloth and hand towels guidelines)
1 large plastic container of shampoo or several small containers
2-4 spools of thread in basic colors
1 package of 3/9 needles
4 or more safety pins, 1" or larger
10-12 buttons
Optional Items:
1 pair of small, blunt-edged scissors
1 unbreakable camping mirror
For Domestic Projects:
5 disposable razors
deodorant
1 tube of toothpaste
Instructions:
Put items in a heavy-duty, one-gallon, plastic sealable bag.
Remove air from bags before sealing.
Sewing Kit
Basic Items:
1 package of hand-sewing needles in assorted sizes
1 box of straight pins
1 measuring tape
1 6" sewing guide
12 new spools of thread2 each of brown, beige, and navy; 1 each of 6 other colors, e.g., red, yellow, blue, green
1 seam ripper
1 thimble
1 pair of sewing scissors
Optional Items (any quantity):
pin cushions
needle threaders
safety pins
hook and eyes
buttons
trims
zippers
additional thread
Instructions:
Place basic items in a durable ziplock bag.
Place optional items in separate plastic bags with like items.
Bundle trims and zippers neatly with elastic bands before placing in plastic bags.
For partial spools of thread, secure end thread in slot on spool or with tape on top of spool
Note: These kits will be sent with sewing machines. Sewing machine needles, bobbins, machine oil, and large spools of white, black, and gray thread are sent with each machine.
Quilts
Instructions:
Sizes: Crib45" x 60" (45" wide) top 1* yds., bottom 1* yds. Single bed72" x 90" (45" wide) top 5 yds., bottom 5 yds.
Use pre-shrunk, durable fabrics. If quilt is pieced, make sure all seams are secure. Cotton, cotton-poly blend, flannel, corduroy, or other appropriate fabrics are suggested.
Low-loft bonded poly batting is preferable.
Use acrylic baby yarn, acrylic four-ply yarn and thread for binding.
Bind the edge by machine for durability.
Use #10 Knit Cro-sheen crochet or similar thread. Use a modified back stitch or similar stitch to anchor batting, or machine quilt with a strong polyester thread.
Modified back stitch: Use a size 14-16 needle. If you are right-handed, work from right to left. Tie knot in end of thread. Push the needle through the batting (needle does not show on top or bottom) one needle-length (about 2") and come up through the quilt top. Insert the needle about _" behind where it came through the quilt top. Go through all layers of the quilt (this stitch will show on the back) and come up through the quilt top in the same place the stitch began. Backstitch 3/8" again, but this time push the needle through the batting (needle does not show on top or bottom) one needle length and come up through the quilt top to begin the next stitch. Stitches will be about 1*" to 2" apart. Rows should be 2*" to 3" apart. Work end of thread from first and last stitch into quilt batting.
For Domestic Quilts:
Same sizes as above, plus double bed90" x 96" (45" wide) top 5 yds., bottom 5 yds.
May be tied, machine or hand-quilted.
Crocheted and Knitted Items
Instructions:
Use your own patterns for slippers, booties, scarves, mittens, hats, afghans, toys or other crocheted and knitted items.
Items must be practical and durable. Patterns with loose loops or holes will snag easily.
Catch stitch or pin together each finished pair of mittens, slippers, or booties.
Do not use buttons for eyes on knitted or crocheted toys as they may cause small children to choke.
Crocheted or Knitted Tropical Sore Bandages (leper bandages)
Instructions:
Size: approximately 3 inches by 7 feet or 3 inches by 4 feet.
Material specifications: No. 10 knit Cro-sheen, 100% mercerized cotton in white, cream or ecru. Do not use dye. South Maid D54 is the suggested brand, although other brand names are welcome if they meet these specifications.
When completed, roll bandage and secure with a large safety pin.
Put in plastic bag, remove air, and seal.
Knitting:
Use size 2 knitting needles if you knit average or loosely, size 3 needles if you knit tightly.
Cast on 24 to 28 stitches so the bandage measures close to 3" across. Use the knit stitch all the way through (this gives the bandage the needed stretch). Continue knitting until desired length and bind off. Secure thread end by slipping thread through last stitch, tying a double knot, and weaving end back through stitches.
When using a knitting machine, use only a double knit stitch. Single knit bandages curl.
Crocheting:
Use size D crochet hook (loose tension desirable).
Chain enough stitches to measure 3" in width. Single crochet into each chain. Chain one and turn. Continue to single crochet to end, chain one and turn. Continue until desired length. Finish off by pulling thread through last loop and secure with double knot. Weave end back through stitches.
Sewn Items
General Guidelines:
Quality is more important than quantity.
Keep items basic and simple.
Use durable, washable fabric that is appropriate for the item. Items will receive hard wear and may be washed and dried by primitive methods.
Pre-shrink all fabric before cutting.
Use a ballpoint needle on knit fabric to prevent cutting fibers.
Clothing closures must be sewn very securely. Backstitch or tie off all beginning and ending threads. For machine-sewn buttons, pull the top thread through to the back and tie with bobbin thread. Ties, buttons, snaps, hooks, and eyes can be used, but cannot easily be replaced. Zippers are discouraged.
If an item has buttons, sew on two extra.
Hem, serge, or zigzag all edges. Selvage edges need not be finished.
Catch-stitch or safety pin together all items that belong together, e.g., pajama tops and bottoms, booties, slippers, belt and belt loop on dress.
Childrens Clothes
Instructions:
Size: 2-14 years
Fabrics: Durable and washable. Cotton preferred for warm climates.
Use simple, basic patterns.
Double stitch crotch seams, armhole seams, pockets, and button holes.
Use durable non-roll elastic in waist casings. Secure elastic at side seams.
Heavy polyester is excellent for childrens pants.
Suggested items: pants, shorts, skirts, pajamas, nightshirts, dresses, shirts, blouses, stockings, underclothing.
Note: Girls in many countries wear only dresses. Simple, colorful dresses are easy to sew. The quantity of girls dresses received from Deseret Industries does not meet the need.
Cloth Diapers
Instructions:
Sizes: 27" x 27", Birdseye 36" diaper
Suggested fabric: Birdseye diaper, diaper flannel (available through Patrick Dry Goods in Salt Lake City or in local variety stores, such as Wal-Mart)
For flannel fabric, use a double-rolled hem or serge edge, turn 1/4" and stitch. It is important that the edges are secure to prevent fraying.
Include four large safety pins with every four diapers.
Receiving Blankets
Instructions:
Size: 30" x 30"
Fabrics: winter or summer flannel, cotton-poly knits, or thermal knits.
Single blanket: Cut one piece of fabric and hem.
Double blanket: Cut two pieces of fabric the same size. With right sides together, sew *" seam around the edges. Leave 6" opening. Turn inside out and press. Baste opening edges and topstitch around entire blanket for durability. Sew a 10" square in the center to keep the fabric from shifting. Another row of sewing between the 10" square and the outer edge is optional.
A narrow crocheted edge or piping border is acceptable on either blanket.
Flat Crib and Single Bed Sheets
Instructions:
Size: Crib45" x 60", Single Bed72" x 90"
Fabrics: Cotton, cotton/poly, flannel, interlock knits.
Finish by serge, zigzag, or narrow hem edges. Round or square corners are acceptable.
Layette Gown
Instructions:
Size: Newborn to 6 months
Fabrics: Cotton, cotton/poly, flannel, knits, plisse.
Use Kwik Sew 2027 or similar pattern.
Washcloth and Hand Towels
Instructions:
Fabrics: Purchased or nearly new bath towels or bolt terry cloth.
Cut bath towel into eighths for washcloth or into thirds for hand towels.
One yard terry cloth makes four washcloth and three hand towels. Cut cloth in 11" wide strip. Divide strip into four 11" x 11*" washcloth. Cut remaining fabric into three 15" x 25" hand towels.
Serge all raw edges, fold _" hem and zigzag or stitch twice, with a wide, close zigzag stitch. Sew edges securely to prevent fraying.
Other Needed Items (these may be purchased or sewn)
Infant undershirts
Childrens hospital nightshirts or pajamas
Childrens hospital gowns
Maternity clothing
