Category: Community News

The first truckload of seven arrived last night to help residents of south central Texas who continue to be without reliable water. The trucks pulled into the Maverick County food bank in south central Texas filling a need for drinking water after boil notices restricted supplies in Eagle Pass and many surrounding communities. Cotulla two hours to the east also received a truckload. Other trucks with drinking water are expected to arrive today in Uvalde, and Carrizo Springs.

A food shipment is scheduled for Del Río Texas. President Ross Davidson of the Eagle Pass Texas District said “These shipments are a relief and an expression of the love and concern we have for those hardest hit in our small Texas communities which comprise our district”.

There are many small communities within the Church’s Eagle Pass Texas District. Supplies will further be distributed to several smaller satellite communities who are still under restrictions to boil water before consumption.  This region was one of the hardest hit by recent winter storms which sent temperatures plunging to record lows and which received record snowfalls.

In this region, where snow is a rare occurrence, few were ready for power outages and travel restrictions that effected a large swath of the population in large and small population centers. 

Emergency management and civic leaders expressed gratitude to receive help from the Church although it had been unavoidably delayed by transport disruptions and the lack of available drivers. 

By Leisa Parsons, Area Media Specialist

A prompting led to the discovery of several burst water pipes at the San Antonio North Stake Center, helping to minimize thousands of dollars in damage. Elder Syme, was on exchanges with Elder Roberts. They brought food to a couple of other elders who, like many missionaries in the area, were unable to get out and get groceries on their preparation day due to the deep freeze that gripped South Texas and the lack of anything on local store shelves. Wednesday morning they picked up Elders Corriveau and Vincent to bring them back to their apartment to cook the food, since Corriveau and Vincent had no water or electricity. 

On their way back home, Elder Corriveau felt prompted to get his hydroflask water bottle that he had left at the Stone Oak building earlier. The prompting was urgent enough that he said, “I feel like I need it now.” 

As soon as the four elders entered the Stake Center they realized why the prompting had come to get the water bottle “now.”  Elder Syme said as they entered the building it “looked like it was raining from the ceiling — it was really heavy.” 

A couple of the elders looked around to ascertain what water pipes had burst, while the others quickly contacted the local bishops. There were several burst pipes, one by the water heater near the Mother’s lounge. In another hallway from the nursery to the stake offices there was over two inches of standing water from other burst pipes. Underneath the floor in the cultural hall, near the basketball hoop and stage, more water was discovered later. 

Sister Haws and Stoddard, currently serving in the North Stake’s Deerfield ward were sitting down for zone conference on Zoom when they were told that the building was flooding and help was needed. Their zone, which covers the North Stake, responded quickly. Sisters Haws and Stoddard said the first thing they did was to remove everything off of the floors, moving chairs, tables and pianos to areas that weren’t flooded. “We used towels, brooms, dust pans and trash cans, anything we could find to get the water out,” said Sister Haws. 

There was no power in the cold building. Sister Stoddard said, “We were working hard enough that we didn’t feel the cold until we went outside. We were mostly barefoot because the water was getting into our shoes.” Sister Haws added, “Even with my rain boots the water kept getting in.”

“What was so cool,” Elder Syme said, “was in about 30 to 40 minutes we went from four elders to about 100 people at the Church helping to clean up.” Many members brought shop vacs and about 10 gas generators, since the building had no power, and helped get the water out. Elder Syme was impressed that so many members “dropped everything in their busy schedule to help the Church.” Sister Stoddard also echoed Elder Syme, she said: “It was really cool how many people came together. We were working hard, singing and having fun and even though it was a disaster, it was great to see the response.”

Unfortunately, the Stone Oak building wasn’t the only building in the area to receive extensive damage. The Judson road chapel in the East Stake also had pipes that burst with a great deal of water damage. The story was similar to that in the North Stake, members moved quickly with shop vacs to help clean up the building. In the Hill Country Stake, the Indian Springs Chapel had a minor drip in the foyer from a sprinkler head. Their stake center lost a lot of water due to a busted water line in the auxiliary pump room away from the building. There were other busted pipes in the lines that lead from the well that feed the main water storage tanks for the building. It isn’t clear yet, when either the Stone Oak building or the Judson building will be ready.

By Tish Rodriguez and Marci McPhee — San Antonio East Stake

What if hunters donated their deer meat to feed the hungry among us? What if all that was missing was volunteers to process the meat, learning valuable skills in the process?

That’s just what is happening right now. And you can do it too.

The Young Men of the Windcrest Ward, San Antonio East Stake, spent a Saturday morning assisting with processing deer in a program called Hunters for the Hungry, a collaboration between the San Antonio Food Bank and Trinity Oaks Enterprises. This volunteer opportunity occurs fall and winter during hunting season. Fifteen youth and adults from the Windcrest Ward learned about meat processing, from the time it is field-dressed until it is ready for grinding into hamburger. Then the volunteers actually skinned, deboned and cut up the meat.

Some of the comments heard from the boys:

“Wow, this was a great activity, I learned so much.”

“It’s a lot of work to skin a deer, clean it up and then cut it up.”

“A lot of people are going to get to eat because we were able to do this.” 

What a blessing it was for these boys and their leaders to learn the basics of where meat comes from and how it makes it to the table. It’s essential to have volunteers available to process donated meat as soon as it comes in, so that the Food Bank can use all the carcasses donated from hunters who are so willing to use their skill to help feed the hungry. In fact, sometimes they had to throw away meat because of lack of volunteers to process it. 

This opportunity has been extended until the end of March of 2021! If you want to try something new, there is a great need for those who are comfortable in preparing fresh meat for the table. It’s a great opportunity for individuals, families or small groups (10-15 or fewer).

To volunteer, go to safb.secure.force.com/jobcalendar and click on any orange bar. Volunteers are needed Tuesday through Saturday at 9385 Miller Lane in San Antonio.

Thanks to the Young Men and their leaders in the Windcrest Ward for helping feed the hungry. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:35-40, NIV and KJV).

By: Peter Hightower, Area Media Specialist, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saturday, January 23, 2021

The COVID-19 vaccine drive has arrived in Del Rio, Texas in large fashion. The City of Del Rio, Val Verde County, Val Verde Regional Hospital, and numerous other volunteer groups all came together this past Saturday to organize the first of what is sure to be many mass vaccination clinics available to the public in the area. The event was held at the Del Rio Civic Center from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. 

According to Dr. Laura Palau M.D., the County Health Director for Val Verde County, volunteers and medical staff administered 1,143 vaccinations to local residents during the event. The vaccine was offered free of charge to county residents over age 65, hospital workers, teachers and other first-responders such as Border Patrol and US Customs agents. The recipients were selected from a list of people who registered in advance on the city’s website and each was given an appointment time to arrive. This helped ensure minimal wait times and a steady but manageable flow of traffic throughout the day.

County Judge Lewis Owens was on site the entire day observing and helping supervise the activities. “We’re so happy with how everything is going so far” he stated around 1:00pm. “We feel like this event has been extremely successful with most people only having to wait for a few minutes before receiving their vaccine.” He heaped praise on the volunteers and mentioned that the event would not have been possible without their help. 

Missionaries and members from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were among the more than 100 volunteers who showed up to help.  “I’m so glad we were able to come help out” said Elder Humphries, one of the eight young missionaries, as he handed out FAQ sheets to new arrivals. “I just arrived here a few days ago and I never imagined this is what I would be doing to serve the people here in Del Rio.” Other volunteers helped with registrations while some administered the actual vaccines and others monitored people in the observation room. 

Linda Walker, CEO of the Val Verde Regional Hospital, was responsible for most of the planning for the event. “At the hospital, we’ve administered 1,054 vaccines total since December 23rd. Today we hope to do that same amount in just ten hours.” She explained that there are approximately 50,000 residents in the county and they have a goal to eventually vaccinate half of that population. That means they will have to administer the vaccine twice to 25,000 people. “So you get an idea of the scale we’re dealing with here. We only get 975 doses in each shipment and everybody who receives it today will have to come back in three weeks to receive the second dose. This effort is going to extend well into the Summer so we have to build strong relationships with as many volunteer groups as we can get. Without them, this just wouldn’t be possible.”

At the end of the event, all of the volunteers gathered for a group photo to celebrate a good start to this extended effort. The organizers thanked all of them for their selfless efforts and announced that 1,134 shots actually had been administered during the clinic.  

Eagle Pass District President Ross Davidson, who volunteered for the event with his wife Jolene, said, “As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are pleased to support our local communities with volunteer help and materials such as N95 masks and today’s efforts to overcome this devastating scourge that has impacted so many. We look forward to the day when we can all be free from the constraints and concerns of this pandemic. We will work diligently, in collaboration with our community partners, to hasten that day. Thank you to all our volunteers and missionaries who helped today and will help in future mass immunization efforts.”  

Walker, Owens and Palau all agreed that maintaining a sufficient number of volunteers consistently for a period of many months will be their biggest challenge moving forward. Walker expressed confidence that the community will respond when called upon. “Sustainability of a mass-vaccination drive like this one depends entirely on being able to replace our volunteers as they begin to fall out. Typically when we put out a message that we need help, someone always steps forward, so I know we will be ok.”

By Marci McPhee, San Antonio East Stake Just Serve Specialist

There was scarcely any “room at the inn” for the generous donation of diapers for refugee children collected by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ San Antonio East Stake. The Center for Refugee Services somehow found space to receive the 8127 diapers (an even 100 boxes/packages) donated by members of the stake for refugee families in our own hometown. 

The stake holiday activity was described like this: “As our thoughts turn to that refugee infant Jesus in the manger, we think of those refugee infants among us in San Antonio. If you can, bring a package of diapers to this stake activity and join us for cookies and cocoa! Curbside available if you prefer to stay outside. Then enjoy the Windcrest lights!” (The stake center is located in Windcrest.)

For some families during these challenging times, donating diapers to children in need represented a real sacrifice. For everyone, it represents generosity to our brothers and sisters in need among us. 

The diapers are distributed by the Center for Refugee Services (CRS), which is the only independent nonprofit agency in San Antonio that works exclusively to promote the successful community integration of legally resettled refugees. The refugees come from Burma (Myanmar), DR Congo, Eritrea, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Central African Republic, etc. 

Many of the Afghans and Iraqis supported American soldiers in their country, acting as translators and contractors on the ground. Now it’s not safe for them to remain in their home country, so they were promised safety here. It’s just our country making good on our promise to those who supported our troops, at great risk to their own lives. When these folks arrive in the United States with their families, CRS supports those assigned to San Antonio in their transition to a new country, a new culture, and a new life. 

CRS program support manager Jill Rips said, “Refugee families have been particularly hard hit during the pandemic, with many losing their jobs. With any income or savings going to rent, utilities and food, they have no extra funds to buy diapers.  This collection of diapers is a holiday gift to the families.”

At this time of year when our thoughts turn to the infant Jesus, born in lowly circumstances, East Stake members responded to the call to provide “swaddling clothes” for our tiny brothers and sisters in need. Many thanks to all those who participated in this collection, and thanks to the Center for Refugee Services for their good work all year round. 

By Ken Jarvis, Area Media Specialist

On Christmas Eve sixteen missionaries assigned to the Hill Country Stake performed for the residents of the Emerald Oaks Retirement community in San Antonio.  Under the direction of Ronald and Sanjuanita Cooley, Stake Communication Specialists, the missionaries delivered an hour-long program of vocal and instrumental music.  

Brother Cooley said, “The missionaries have been serving at Emerald Oaks for three years but this is the first year we were invited to do a Christmas Eve Program.”  

He felt that the Sisters’ introduction set the tone for the evening.  “We testify of Jesus Christ and that’s what the Christmas Spirit is all about; giving, loving and serving.  We invite the Spirit to be with us through song and recounting the Christmas story that each of you might feel the Christmas Spirit.”

Throughout the month of December,  the Missionaries also did Christmas Caroling on Friday mornings.  They were joined by Bro Cooley and Austin Rodriguez on the piano and Angelica Cooley on the violin for a Christmas dinner time Serenade on Friday evenings.

Elders Merritt and Miller remarked that, “Serving at Emerald Oaks has been a great opportunity to meet some amazing people.  Talking to the folks there is always fun because everyone has stories to share and they are really kind in expressing their appreciation for the small service we do.”

“I absolutely loved the residents the moment I met them,” said Sister Gibson.  “We were able to talk and interact with them and they really showed their personalities.  They all have individual quirks and I have loved spending time with as many of them as I can.”

The Cooleys did have their challenges with the program, however.  At the last minute 14 of the 30 missionaries were put in quarantine due to exposure to a missionary who tested positive for COVID-19.   “We just asked them to fill in for those who couldn’t be there,” Sister Cooley remarked.

Sister Belt was impressed with how much she learned.  “I think as people we often separate ourselves and categorize each other unnecessarily.  But I soon realized that the things I love and care about are the same things that the residence love and care about, even though there is a significant age gap.”   

She summed up the entire experience by saying, “When we work with people who are different from us, we gain a grander perspective on life. I have felt so significantly God’s love for each of the people we work with, because we are all one in the same, children of God!” 

Photography by Rosie Jarvis

 Por Marci McPhee y Sussil Mejorado

(Article in Spanish below, with English following)
Mientras nuestros pensamientos se vuelven hacia ese niño Jesús refugiado en el pesebre, pensamos en esas familias refugiadas entre nosotros, aquí en los Estados Unidos. Miembros de la Rama Valencia (Estaca San Antonio Este) trabajaron juntos para hacer 177 tarjetas navideñas con un mensaje de fe y esperanza, para iluminar la navidad de familias migrantes que se ven afectadas por el sistema de detención migratoria.

Este proyecto interreligioso apoya la “sexta campaña anual Esperanza para las fiestas” de Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. “El programa recolecta tarjetas para distribuirlas en los centros de detención de migrantes en todo el país y en los refugios a lo largo de la frontera, recordandole a la gente que no están olvidados durante la temporada navideña.”

Los jóvenes trabajaron por dos mutuales. Las hermanas de la Sociedad de Socorro, los niños de la Primaria, y los hermanos de la Rama Valencia hicieron tarjetas también. Se firmaron con su primer nombre y ciudad, nada más — no apellido, no dirección. Las tarjetas podían estar en cualquier idioma, pero fue preferible en español. La mayoría de la gente que recibió las tarjetas habla español. 

El presidente de la Rama, Presidente Wise, dijo, “Estoy muy orgulloso de la dedicación de nuestros jóvenes, líderes y padres que apoyaron en esta noble causa.” Hermana Elisa Rangel, presidenta de la Sociedad de Socorro, dijo: “Esto nos ayudó a que toda la familia tuviéramos un tiempo de calidad juntos y en realidad disfrutamos hacer servicio. Las hermanas experimentaron gozo y agradecimiento por servir. Todos en realidad plasmaron en las tarjetas sus mejores deseos de amor y paz en esta navidad para nuestros hermanos refugiados.”

Hermana Sandra Rodriguez, presidenta de las mujeres jóvenes, dijo, “Fue fabuloso ver como nuestros jóvenes hacían las tarjetas con tanto amor.”

Todos los miembros de la rama querían ayudar a los detenidos en estos tiempos tan difíciles. Especialmente este tiempo para celebrar el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador, ellos hacen Su obra, ayudando a los que necesitan ayuda y esperanza. 

Esta actividad brindará muchas sonrisas y calidez durante esta época navideña a familias que lo han dejado todo. Al realizar estas tarjetas, los miembros de la Rama Valencia les darán esperanza e iluminarán la vida de estas familias en estos tiempos difíciles, de una forma tan sencilla como el Salvador lo hizó.

Cada tarjeta fue diferente, como las personas en sí mismas. Cada tarjeta lleva amor y esperanza a personas que necesitan tanto. Feliz Navidad a todos los hijos de Dios. #IluminaElMundo

Christmas Cards of Love for Migrants in Detention

By Marci McPhee and Sussil Mejorado

As our thoughts turn to that refugee infant Jesus in the manger, we think of those refugee families among us, here in the United States. Members of the Valencia Branch (San Antonio East Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) worked together to make 177 Christmas cards with a message of faith and hope, to brighten Christmas for migrant families who find themselves affected by the migrant detention system. 

This interfaith project supports the “sixth annual Hope for the Holidays Campaign” of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. “This program collects cards to distribute at migrant detention centers across the country and at shelters along the border, reminding people that they are not forgotten during the Christmas season.”

The youth made cards during two Mutual nights. The women of Relief Society, the children in Primary, and the brethren of the Valencia Branch made cards too. They signed the cards with their first name and city, nothing more – no last name, no address. The cards could be in any language, with Spanish preferred. Most of the people who will receive the cards speak Spanish.

Branch President Wise said, “I’m very proud of the dedication of our youth, leaders and parents who supported this noble cause.” Sister Elisa Rangel, Relief Society President, said, “This helped the whole family to have some quality time together. We actually enjoyed doing service. The sisters experienced joy and gratitude for serving. Everyone put their best wishes of love and peace on the cards this Christmas for our refugee brothers and sisters.”

Sister Sandra Rodriguez, Young Women president, said, “It was fabulous to see how our youth made the cards with such love.

All the members of the branch wanted to help the detainees in these difficult times. Especially at this time when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, they are doing His work, helping those who need help and hope.

This activity will bring many smiles and warmth during this Christmas season to families who have left everything. By making these cards, the members of the Valencia Branch will give them hope and illuminate the lives of these families in these difficult times, serving in a way as simple as the Savior served.

Each card was different, just like the people themselves who made them. Each card brings love and hope to people who need it so much. Merry Christmas to all God’s children. #LightTheWorld

By Ken Jarvis, Area Media Specialist

On a December weekend before Christmas, the youth of the Smithson Valley Ward, Hill Country Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, created a live, drive-thru nativity at the Stake Center.  McKay Rush, Assistant to the Priest Quorum President, said, “We were supposed to do something for the Primary age children but with COVID we couldn’t do that.”

Sister Stephani Bailey, Young Women’s President said that the idea for a live nativity, “…started as a suggestion from one of the advisors.  We all thought it was awesome and decided to involve the Young Men as well.”

It was originally just going to be for their ward.  “We wanted to do it because the youth haven’t had anything to do lately,” said Sister Bailey. 

Bishop Dan Worden agreed.  “It was all youth.  The idea started to be done in a member’s driveway.  We were going to just do a couple of scenes.  Then we thought, what if we get a lot of response, would it cause problems in the neighborhood?  So, we asked if we could use the Stake Center.”  

When they got permission to go ahead, they worked to make sure it would be COVID safe.  Some of the scenes were done by youth from large families or several families who live close together and spend a lot of time together anyway.  They were allowed to take their masks off.  

“Then it just kept morphing,” Bishop Worden said.  “Can we get animals?”  Yes, they could.   “We needed something to draw people in.  So, we decided to use the scriptures and music to add audio to it.”  

Bishop Worden noted that the adults were in the background.  “We let the youth be the center.  We felt that was a key, important thing.”

McKay said, “I  had plans for that night but I also had an obligation to help with the Nativity so I went there half-heartedly because I wanted to be with my friends.  My attitude at the beginning was not the best.  But then when people started coming and I saw how this was important for other people it kind of changed the way I looked at it.”  

Halle Wright, Young Women 14 and 15-year-old Class President, agreed.  “I thought it was successful and really fun for everybody.  Some of the people who came weren’t even members of the church, they just came to experience it even though they weren’t members.”  

Bishop Worden agreed.  “As people left some of them asked, ‘What’s the name of this church again?’,  ‘Can we give you a donation?’ or ‘Do you accept donations?’”  

It turned out to be far more successful than anyone imagined.  “We had 158 cars go through in two hours,” said Bishop Worden.  “With a conservative average of 4 people per car (and we know some had 8) we had well over 600 people.”  

Halle said, “It was something that I’ll always remember because it really impacted a lot of people that came to it.” 

McKay agreed, “That’s what life is all about, to lose myself in serving others.”  

by Leisa Parsons, Area Media Specialist

2020 has arguably been the most unique year in our collective lifetimes. You just have to look at the various “2020” social media memes ranging from toilet paper shortages, the quarantine and harried homeschool moms to realize we’ve laughed and struggled through 2020. My personal favorite, which ended up on my letter board: “Hindsight has petitioned to no longer be referred to as 2020.”

I asked around: What is something that you are particularly grateful for that is unique to 2020? Aubrey Buchei from the LaCantera Stake’s Fair Oaks Ward said: “As heartbreaking as it was to have my husband laid off due to the pandemic, I’m so unbelievably grateful he was home to help me with virtual schooling!” 

Buchei exemplifies what Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught. He said: “It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

“Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.” (April 2014)

Jana Hilton, from the North Stake’s Sonterra Ward said: “COVID has helped me feel more gratitude in all circumstances. In 2019 I spent weeks and even months helping three daughters and their families when they brought new babies into the world, supporting my mother through a very difficult surgery and recovery process, and caring for my disabled father. Because of the miracle of air travel, I was able to support my loved ones who lived far away. Because of COVID, the year 2020 has been completely different. While I have not been able to physically be with my loved ones as much this year, we have found other meaningful and happy ways to connect. I have also been able to focus on projects at home, some of them with my husband, that have brought fulfillment and joy. COVID has reminded me to seize the moment and look for the good that can spring from adversity.”

Megan Rulewicz, from the West Stake’s Helotes Ward heads up the dance department at UTSA. She said: “I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to take dance classes from incredible dancers and instructors from all over the world without having to leave my home.” 

Matita Charlton, of the North Stake’s Deerfield ward said: “My prayers became more meaningful and powerful. When I realized there was no where to go, no available ‘experts’ with answers during this pandemic. I realized only Christ alone has ALL the answers, and I learned how to ask and really trust that only HE can answer me.”

Sixteen year-old Caitlyn Roher, from Cibolo Valley Stake’s Cibolo Ward, said “I think for me, it’s been extra time with family. We’ve been able to spend more time together, especially when the kids weren’t at school. I feel like I’ve gotten a little bit closer to my siblings, which has been really nice.

Debbie Walker, from the North Stake’s Balcones Heights Ward said, “We have loved having more time together to explore the local trails, rivers, neighborhoods and parks and to serve at the Church peanut farm. We have found that Covid has provided the perfect opportunity to do more (together) by doing less of the busy day to day activities that kept us so occupied pre-Covid.  It has been a joy playing and working together.  A family that sweats together sticks together.”

For me, virtual and now homeschool has been one of my greatest blessings. I have been able to have my grandchildren, who live in the Killeen area, visit several times and bonus: I can handle second grade math! 

During President Russell M. Nelson’s recent invitation and counsel to the world he taught that “Counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems.” This rings true with so many that have found the positive in COVID.

By Joe Robledo, San Antonio East Stake Communications Director with Marci McPhee, Just Serve Specialist

On Saturday, September 26, 2020, the San Antonio East Stake collected an astonishing 1,013 pairs of new and hardly used pants for Haven for Hope. Haven supports people experiencing homelessness in San Antonio.

The Relief Society organizations in each of 14 congregations were the points of contact and the people that were crucial. KSAT12 was gracious enough to place the event on their news website as well. Word of the collection reached Tractor Supply in Adkins, Texas, which donated $75 towards the service project. 

While Haven has accepted used clothing in the past, COVID restrictions meant that they had no space to sort donations. For this reason they accepted only new or like-new clothing, and they needed pants the most. Numerous church members donated hardly used pants or purchased new clothes for this drive.These purchases were made at a particular sacrifice, considering the economic conditions due to the COVID virus. To numerous families, this sacrifice was no small thing, yet over a thousand pieces of new and hardly used pants were eventually collected and delivered. For those unable to contribute, many more prayers were offered on behalf of those without homes, prayers that are known only to the Father of us all.

Lee Richardson, Spiritual Services Community Coordinator at Haven for Hope, was extremely receptive and grateful as she said, “You have no idea what this means to us and the people whom we serve.” 

These donations are very sacred. What a blessing it was to see the deliveries arrive at Haven for Hope. It was humbling to see the pants and the shorts go into receiving bins and know of the sacrifice that was made by members of the San Antonio East Stake, and what that represented to those individuals who would eventually receive them. 

Truly I am reminded of the widow’s mite and how many gave, even at a very great sacrifice. I am reminded of the Savior’s blessing, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”(Matthew 25:40). 

I think of the hands that reached out and took new garments off the store rack; I think of the hands that reach for the wallet; I think of the budgets that were affected by the purchase; I think of loving hearts and the loyalty that members demonstrated to the Savior, as they blessed the lives of His children in need. I consider how warm and pleased our Father in Heaven and the Savior Jesus Christ are, as They see Their children work and sacrifice to bless others. 

Truly I saw the hands of the Savior as they filled the bins and delivered the clothes and as the clothes were received. Although the faces of those who will eventually receive these garments will never be seen, the hearts of those who gave and received will be comforted. For the hands of the giver and the receiverthat have hung low will now be lifted up.

Thanks to stake JustServe Specialist Marci McPhee, who organized and coordinated this effort. Stake Media Specialist Timothy Mihalski created the eye-catching flyer and Facebook announcement and that helped spread the news. Special thanks to: Buena Vista – Esmerelda Guzman, Converse – Tessa Allred, Desirae Cobb, Eden – Kathryn Abercrombie, High Country – Sharon Larson, Mission Creek – Lucy Hardy, Pleasanton – Elise Brown, Randolph – Pam Smith, SA 1 Ward – Rachel Vandenberg, SA 10 Ward – Maggie Guerra, Selma – Sarah Moeck, Universal City – Lauren Cunico, Windcrest – Stephanie Klein, Woodlake – Diana Chavez, Valencia – Branch Pres. William Wise