Local Area Quilt Project

Many of us are aware of our blessings and are moved to acknowledge those blessings by serving and giving of our time and substance.

We are asking for and will be gathering double/full (approx. 90"x90") and crib (approx. 45"x60") sized quilts for local distribution.

Families in need will receive these both practical and symbolic gifts as gestures of warmth and comfort. Many of our area families have been dramatically affected by recent and current economic events. Their circumstances will make some of the most basic acquisitions a luxury.

Unlike the quilts that have been produced for international distribution through Salt Lake City, these quilts may utilize any appropriate fabric, including those that have seasonal or holiday themes.

Those who are moved to respond to this suggestion or invitation are asked to bring or send their donations to the Humanitarian Room, at 3750 West Craig Road, North LV, indicating "for Local Quilt Project" on the donation(s).

Church Responding to Chile Earthquake

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile are actively assisting in relief efforts and determining how the Church can be of most assistance in the wake of one of the most powerful earthquakes of the last century. See the full story at wwwlds.org/newsroom.

Full Size Quilts still needed for the month of March.

We are receiving many requests for information on the situation in Haiti. The Church is providing information through its regular information sharing methods.

Additionally, blogs like helpingoutinhaiti.blogspot.com, published by those on the ground in Haiti, sharing their experiences with friends and family through this technology. Take a look and read their accounts of their involvements and efforts.

Check out Current Needs and Destinations updated to the right. Current Needs have remained the same for the month of February.

COMMUNITY NEEDS

Whitney Elementary School has a high percentage of homelessness within their student population. In recent correspondence with them, they expressed needs for the following:

SHOES-Child size 10 to Adult 10 (needed desperately).

SOCKS-Ankle socks-not tube socks

PANTS-size: SM (8), M (10), LG ( 12), XLG (14-16)

UNDERWEAR-all sizes child to adult

SWEATSHIRTS-hoodies-(kids love these)

They also make weekend bags to be sent home with the kids.

They include:

Mini ravioli pop top cups

Top ramen

Slim Jims

Fruit Snacks

Fruit Cups

mini op top vienna sausage cans

granola bars

juice drinks-bags

bottle water

Donations can be taken directly to them or brought to the Humanitarian Service Room, marked specifically for this purpose.

Church Sending Team of Doctors to Assist in Haiti

SALT LAKE CITY14 January 2010 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending a team of doctors and medical supplies to Haiti immediately to help care for those injured by the devastating earthquake. The doctors will set up a temporary medical center in a Church meetinghouse in Port-au-Prince. The meetinghouse is largely undamaged by the quake.

“We’re finding one of the greatest needs is medical care. Entire hospitals have been destroyed. Medical supplies are scarce. So this temporary medical center will be a tremendous asset,” said Elder Francisco J. Viñas, the area president who oversees the Church in Haiti.

The doctors are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have volunteered their time and skills to assist people in Haiti who are in critical need of medical assistance.

Other urgent needs following the devastating earthquake continue to be water, medical care, shelter and food. The Church is responding to those needs by sending relief supplies in addition to the medical personnel. Some shipments have already arrived, others are in process, and more are being planned.

Two planes, each loaded with 80,000 pounds of supplies donated by the Church, are expected to leave for Haiti on Saturday and Sunday. The supplies on the planes include 15,000 personal filtration bottles, which can each filter and purify 400 gallons of water. Also included in the shipments are food, blankets, hygiene kits, tarps, tents and other necessities. The first flight will leave from Denver on Saturday, 16 January, and the second will leave from Miami that day or the following day. Additionally, hygiene kits and other supplies sent from the Dominican Republic by truck arrived in Haiti on Thursday.

Some of the Church’s meetinghouses in Port-Au-Prince are also being used as temporary shelters for displaced persons.

“Normal daily activity has come to a stop in Haiti. Helping to restore normalcy in the midst of devastation will be our greatest goal. Our focus will be on helping people become self-reliant again.” said Elder Viñas.

The Church continues to monitor the humanitarian situation on an ongoing basis to determine how to best help. Donations for relief efforts can be made athttp://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse.