Humanitarian

I am so excited about being called to Humanitarian Service.  I hope that I can help you all feel the excitement for this project too.
     Kim and I had the opportunity to visit the building in Idaho Falls which now housing our local Humanitarian Service program. Salt Lake heard about the stake that was running this and came up to see what was going on.  They were so impressed, that they have now declared it an official "pilot program" for the church.  There are over 200 local nonprofit organizations in our area, 68 of which are currently using the services that we provide.  There is a missionary couple that goes around and checks with the organizations to see what the needs are and then relays that back to our pilot program.  Like I said, I am really excited about this and I hope that you will feel that emanating from me and maybe even catch a little of it!  ;)
     Every week when I go in to serve, there is a list of needs posted.  These include: Baby Items, Bed and Bath, Cleaning Supplies, Clothing, Personal Items, Kitchen Supplies, and Animal Shelter Supplies.  The items range from high quality quilts to wooden toys,  file folder games to hygiene kits,  and bereavement kits to so much more.  There are also Seasonal Needs provided.  Right now, that includes "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Christmas Stockings."
     Every Sunday I will have a container outside of the chapel for people to put donated items in.  I will then bring this in on Wednesdays when I report for service.  I will be posting needs in our blog as well as posting needs in the bulletin and the newsletter. 
     The high demand items for this week are: diapers, deodorant, laundry soap, Onesies size 3-6 months, baby wipes, and Christmas wrapping paper. 
     The items that are suggested for the stockings are: hats, gloves, socks, pillowcases, books, toys, hand lotion, puppets, and Hotwheels.  They request no Barbie dolls, no guns, and no toys that relate to violence.  They already have the needed amt of  crayons and color books. As I said, these are suggestions and they are not too picky about what they get as long as they follow the guidelines.   The age groups and number of the children for the stocking project are: under 3   10 children, 4-6 yrs   20 children, 7-8 yrs   23 children, 9-12 yrs   24 children, 13-14 yrs   15 teens, and for the 15-18 yrs there are 8 teens. 

Thank you!
Teresa L. Cox