John Ortiz, age 11, quilting
Many people might worry about what they would do in a possible disaster, but the local chapter of the Relief Society, one of the biggest women’s organization in the world, decided to take action.
On Thursday morning, July 11, 2013 at the Rancho Santa Margarita chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, over 100 women and children came to create hygiene kits for adults, children and babies.
Kits included items such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diaper wipes, baby bottles and even small stuffed animals. All the kits were grouped and inserted into Ziploc bags for easy distribution. The local congregation considers that the church itself might need to serve as a shelter in the event of a local disaster.
Emergency preparedness was just a small part of the day of service at the local LDS church. Partnering with local charitable organizations was the theme of the day. The Lake Forest Nursing Center and the VA Hospital were to be receipients of lap blankets and shawls to keep their patients warm. Many women like Julia Dapper, Lauri Meredith and Melanie Hoopes from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, brought their sewing machines to help in the effort.
Tina Ortiz from Rancho Santa Margarita, said her eleven-year-old boy John begged to come to the activity. “When we got here, he first worked at the hygiene kit table and then wanted to know what to do next. I told him that he should find a table and ask how he could help. He did just that and the Mormon ladies at the table taught him how to make a tie quilt.” Asking young John Ortiz what was the hardest part about sewing the quilt he said, “Getting the needle through is the hardest.”
Other organizations that would benefit from projects completed at the event included the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, South County Outreach, Ronald McDonald’s House, and a local women’s shelter. Jessica Hoopes (age 7) assisted her sister, Raquel Hoopes (age 17), making a tie quilt. When asked about her favorite part of the morning of service, Jessica said, “The treats of course.” Not all those in attendance came for the treats. Cindy Suman says her favorite part of the morning is, “The friendship and love I feel as I work together with good women to reach out to the community. That is what Relief Society is all about.”
Karen Lake
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Media Director: Santa Margarita Stake http://www.mormonnewsroom.org
