Feeling Happy While Serving Together in Tasmania

More than 50 women recently gathered in Hobart, Tasmania to share their time and talents while participating in a variety of service projects to benefit those experiencing domestic violence and other forms of stress and trauma.

The women, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints happily spent the day making items for the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, and the Royal Hobart Hospital.

One group of women put finishing stitches on a quilt which had been previously embroidered while another group worked on cutting and tying 14 fleece blankets. These items, along with 14 crocheted rugs were donated to the Salvation Army Women's Crisis Shelter.

The Royal Hobart Hospital was the recipient of 101 colourful felt hearts that another group of enthusiastic women created for the 1,000 Hearts Project. These small hearts are a symbol of love and compassion and can fit in your pocket.

Those who have suffered loss and trauma find comfort in being able to touch these hearts so the women in Hobart shared creative stitches to make the hearts a more tactile experience.

The fourth group of women were busily engaged in knitting 86 comfort teddy bears to be used by the Red Cross in emergency or trauma events.

When asked about the event, Sheree Gaughan said, "It was fun being together and learning creative ways to make something for a higher purpose. We felt joy knowing that what we were doing would help lift the heart of someone else and make a difference in their life."

According to Enid Woolley, "The women exuded happiness at being involved in service together and a lovely spirit of sisterhood was present throughout the day. We were abundantly blessed by helping to bless others."