Queensland Church and Community members Work Together on School Improvement Project

Five hundred members of the Queensland Eight Mile Plains Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and one hundred staff and community members worked together on a Helping Hands project at the Eagleby State School recently.  The purpose of Mormon Helping Hands is to improve the community, encourage positive community interaction, and follow the example of Jesus Christ in serving others.

Left to right: Church member Mark Jennings, School Principal Libby Jordan, Logan City Councilor Jennie Breene, and Vice Principal Lara Smith

"Eagleby State School staff and community were overwhelmed by the hard work and generosity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints," said School Principal Libby Jordan. "The day will live in our memories as a celebration of service and community spirit.  What a great example to our children of what many helping hands can do."

Another staff member said, "I've been in tears all morning.  I can't believe it. I'm just so grateful!"

Work around the school included two heavy earthwork projects with Church member Mark Jennings providing the machinery, painting, cleaning, landscaping, making new covers for 1,000 library books, and sewing 130 library bags and 24 pocket holders.

The project also included a car wash, garage sale, family portrait sessions, home-baked treats, DJ music, and a supervised children's play area, all free of charge.  

Logan City Councillor Jennie Breene, who planned to attend for two hours but stayed all morning, enthusiastically commented, "It's fantastic!  I'm absolutely amazed.  ‘Well done!’ to everyone involved."