On 18th March a group of 80 younger and older women met together at the Plymouth Stake Centre as they celebrated 175 years since the founding of the women’s organization of ‘Relief Society’. The theme of Relief Society is “Charity Never Faileth’, and certainly this was put into action on the day. The age of those in attendance ranged from 8 years to the not so young, all working together with one purpose in mind, to help three local charities:-
Age UK Plymouth - Craft packs for the elderly who live in three local care homes in Plymouth were created. The packs included felt animals, Easter and birthday cards for the elderly to assemble or create and Easter eggs for decorating.
Shekinah Mission in Devon - Packs for those who use the Mission included essential basics e.g. toiletries, warm hats, sweets etc. Hand-made cushions were also donated for the new extension to the premises.
The Haven, Torquay & St. Petroc’s in Cornwall - Packs of essential items were put together for homeless people. Cards of inspiration and hope were created and inserted into each pack.
Finally, sweets, treats and planted seeds in pots were distributed to elderly and housebound members of the Church around the Plymouth Area.
Naomi Harris, the Stake Young Women President for Plymouth made the following statement:- “I just thought it was wonderful to see women of all ages working together with a common goal of reaching out to serve those in our local communities and within our Church. those not in attendance served by donating items for the packs, experienced women taught younger volunteers how to sew pillowcases, and messages of hope and encouragement were written by old and young. The event had a lovely feeling of positivity, and a reminder that we can all serve, no matter what our circumstances are”.
PHOTO CAPTION: Chrissie Edmonds (left) and Lucy Edmonds (right) at the Plymouth Stake Sisters' Day