Maroondah Packages Smiles for Christmas

Recently the Relief Society (women’s organization) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from congregations in Mooroolbark, Croydon, Waverley, Doncaster and Wantirna, gathered together for a service afternoon. They packaged over 130 “smilie” Christmas food hampers full of donated treats, made 178 polar fleece blankets and packaged maternity and hygiene packs which were all then donated to The Salvation Army – SalvoCare Eastern.

Sheryl Bulfin, local president of the Relief Society, says, “We are pleased to support The Salvation Army and the vital work they do in offering crisis accommodation for the homeless and those experiencing family violence.”

She adds, “This annual “smilie” hamper food drive in time for Christmas followed by a service afternoon is an event looked forward to by many.”

When clients arrive at SalvoCare Eastern, they often have no belongings. Donations such as those given by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can seem small to their members but can mean so much to those receiving them.

Leanne Foster from SalvoCare Eastern explained that a blanket is something that can be given to them and is theirs to take when they leave, it shows that someone cares. The hampers are given to families and single persons experiencing homelessness who barely have enough money for their basic needs.

Leanne continues, “Our residents love receiving these items. They’re in survival mode, especially with limited income. They cannot afford something like this. They want to give their children a really good Christmas but would struggle to afford the treats these amazing packs contain.”

Alex King was one of the 130 women who attended the service afternoon and said, “I really love the feeling I get when I serve in our community with my friends in Relief Society. It’s important that we make time to serve each other and community members because the need is great. It’s one of the ways the Lord can bless His children. We can be instruments in His hands.”

The Relief Society, whose motto is “Charity Never Faileth,” also packaged 206 “Days for Girls” kits on this afternoon of service.

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