Why We Help
“Not only by precept did Jesus teach, but also by example. . . He stretched forth his hand that others might be lifted. . . Unaltered is the divine command to succor the weak and lift up the hands which hang down and strengthen the feeble knees. Each of us has the charge to be. . . a doer. . . lifter. . . There are those within the sphere of our own influence who, with outstretched hands, cry out: ‘Is there no balm in Gilead…?’ Each of us must answer” (Thomas S. Monson, “With Hand and Heart,” Ensign, Jan 1995, 2)
People like to talk about how they need to “find” themselves. This usually means they’re unhappy, lack direction and are primarily focused on themselves. Interestingly, Christ said the way to find ourselves was by losing ourselves: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it” (Mark 8:35). Losing ourselves in service is a great way to find ourselves. It allows us to practice doing what Jesus did. He taught that loving God was the first commandment and loving our neighbor was the second. We show our love for God by serving each other. And we love those we serve. Service gives us a happiness that self-interest never will. It happens in big ways and small, in public and in private, for friends and for strangers.
Even the little things we do, like helping someone in their garden or holding open a door, can make life a little easier for them—and a little happier for us. You don’t have to look far to find opportunities to donate your time and energy. The beauty of following Christ's example is that we don't need to evaluate who, when or how we serve, we just get to act. It can be planned or spontaneous, for someone we know or a stranger. Christian service shies away from recognition, accepts no reward and is motivated by love.
How We Help
The Church extends Christ-like charity on a large scale, donating money and supplies to areas of the world in need.
In addition to small, personal acts of service, Mormons give large, organized assistance to areas in need. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated more than $1 billion in cash and material assistance to 167 different countries in need of humanitarian aid since it started keeping track in 1985. It sent an airlift of tents, tarps, diapers and other supplies to the areas of Chile hit by the February 2010 earthquake, and two planes with over 80,000 pounds each of food and emergency resources to Haiti in January 2010 due to their catastrophic earthquake. The local, national and international organization of the church allows it to coordinate relief efforts quickly so that food, supplies and workers can arrive when they are needed most.
The Church does not discriminate based on religious affiliation, ethnicity or nationality. We offer hope and the potential for a life that transcends disease, poverty and despair. It’s all part of God’s plan that we bear each other’s burdens and act as His hands on earth. The Church’s welfare program also helps people in need locally by offering temporary assistance in the form of food, clothing and in the search for employment. Recipients are given the opportunity to work, if possible, in exchange for this assistance.
Emergency Response
Each year, millions of men, women, and children are impacted by war, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other disasters. In these desperate circumstances, quick response is often the difference between life and death.
The Church continually gathers donations of food, clothes, medical supplies, and relief items ready to be shipped on short notice.
Because of this preparedness, the Church is able to respond immediately in times of emergency. In addition to providing materials, the Church also helps with funds and volunteers.
Neonatal Resuscitation Care
As many as 10 percent of all newborns have breathing difficulties at birth and require some assistance. With proper training and minimal equipment, many of the deaths of newborns due to breathing problems can be avoided. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints works with national health organizations and ministries of health from countries around the world to identify areas where training in neonatal resuscitation is most desperately needed. The Church then sends volunteer physicians and nurses to instruct birth attendants in these areas. These local attendants are then able to train others. More than 80,000 birth attendants have been trained so far.
Measles
In 2001, the Measles Initiative, a partnership including the American Red Cross, the United Nations World Health Organization, UNICEF, the UN Foundation, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was created. Its goal was to reduce the worldwide mortality rate from measles by 90% by the year 2010—down from its 1999 total of 873,000 deaths worldwide. In 2003, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined the Measles Initiative and committed one million dollars each year in support of the campaign. The Church has also participated in the social mobilization effort that is significant to the success of each campaign. A catchy musical jingle, composed by a young Mormon during the Church’s participation in the Madagascar measles campaign, has been translated and sung in 28 languages on dozens of radio stations in subsequent campaigns. From 2004 to 2008, 59,596 Church members in 32 countries volunteered their efforts in canvassing neighborhoods and helping at vaccination posts. By January 2007 there was a 60% decrease in the world’s measles mortality rate.
Clean Water
More than one billion people lack access to clean water, according to the World Health Organization. Those without clean water often suffer from water-borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and typhoid.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ clean water initiative attempts to improve the health of communities by providing access to sustainable clean water sources. Depending on local needs and circumstances, these water sources include wells (or boreholes), water storage and delivery systems, and water purification systems. Since 2002, the Church has helped five million people in over 4,500 communities obtain access to clean water sources. These clean water projects have enjoyed long-term sustainability because communities are involved in their planning and implementation, and provide most of the labor. Community representatives are trained on system maintenance prior to a project’s completion.
Vision Treatment
More than 161 million people in the world are visually impaired, of whom 124 million people have low vision and 37 million are blind. And yet, up to 75% of all blindness is avoidable or treatable.
The objective of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ vision care program is to strengthen eye care services to the poor by supplying essential technical training, equipment, supplies, and organizational support to assist local eye care professionals and programs. Using ophthalmologists who volunteer their time, the Church has assisted local eye care professionals and programs that have benefitted over 180,000 individuals since 2003.
Wheelchairs
As many as 100 million people worldwide may need a wheelchair but only one in 100 can afford to buy one. To be mobile, people with disabilities often rely on family and friends to carry them from place to place. It can be extremely difficult just to leave home. Going to school or getting a job may be impossible dreams. To help, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partners with community organizations serving the disabled. The local partner assesses clients, prescribes a device, and follows up with therapy and support. The Church donates wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, cushions, and other assistive devices – sometimes purchased from local workshops. When requested, teams of therapists give additional technical training to the partner. Since 2001, the Church has distributed more than 300,000 wheelchairs in 101 countries.
How You Can Help
Our Humanitarian Aid programs rely on the help of everyday people who want to relieve some of the suffering in the world. Just as we don’t discriminate when giving aid based on religious affiliation, ethnicity or nationality, neither do we discriminate when accepting aid. We welcome anyone who wants to help. You are welcome to call the LDS Humanitarian Center at (801) 240-6060 or e-mail at HumanitarianCenter@ldschurch.org for more information.
1. Make Humanitarian Kits
Assembling various humanitarian kits (hygiene, newborn and school kits) for us to distribute to schools, orphanages, homeless shelters, medical facilities, and disaster areas around the world is something you can do alone or as a group. Before getting started you may call the Humanitarian Center at (801) 240-6060 or e-mail at HumanitarianCenter@ldschurch.org to ensure that your efforts meet the changing needs of people throughout the world. Your labor is greatly appreciated.
In addition to donating humanitarian kits to the LDS Humanitarian Center, we encourage you to contact your local schools, orphanages, homeless shelters, etc. and find out what kits they may need in their facilities.
Hygiene kits
The following is an example of how to assemble a hygiene kit:
Place the following items in a heavy-duty, one-gallon sealable bag.
Remove the air before sealing.
- 2 unbreakable combs without sharp handles
- 4 toothbrushes (sealed)
- 1 tube of toothpaste (6-8 ounces, no pumps)
- 2 bars of soap (3.5-5 ounces each)
- 2 hand towels* (approximately 15x25 inches) Dishtowels and washcloths are not acceptable.
*If sewing towels, use terry cloth and serge or zigzag edges to prevent fraying.
Newborn kits
Newborn kits are often sent to orphanages and hospitals, particularly in developing countries.
The following is an example of how to assemble a newborn kit:
Place the following items in a heavy-duty, one-gallon sealable bag.
Remove the air before sealing.
- 4 single thickness cloth diapers
- -Approximately 25x27 inches
- -Birdseye Cloth or diaper flannel, 100% cotton
- -No pre-fold or disposable diapers
- 4 diaper safty pins
- 1 pair booties or baby socks
- 2 bars of soap 3.5-5 ounces each (Ivory or other not allergenic brand)
- 1 receiving blanket* (36x36 - 45x45 inches) (See how to make receiving blankets below)
- 1 layette gown
- -No footed sleepers, buttons, zippers, or strings
- -Size: Newborn to 6 months, Fabric: cotton knit
- -Layette gown patterns are available at the LDS Humanitarian Center, Humanitarian Service Rooms and at www.humanitarianservices.org
*How to make receiving blankets
Fleece:
- Cut a 36x36 - 45x45 inch square of medium weight fleece
- Serge, hem or blanket-stich edges
There are two methods for flannel receiving blankets
Flannel Method 1:
- Cut two 36x36 - 45x45 inch squares of cotton flannel
- Serge edges with right sides facing out
- Sew large 'X' corner to corner or a 10-inch square in the center to keep fabric from shifting
Flannel Method 2:
- Cut two 36x36 - 45x45 inch squares of cotton flannel
- Place the squares together with right sides facing in
- Sew squares together with a ¼ inch seam around the edges, leaving a 6-inch opening
- Turn right sides out
- Baste opening and topstitch around entire blanket for durability
- Sew large 'X' corner to corner or a 10-inch square in the center to keep fabric from shifting
School kits
School kits are often sent to schools, and orphanages. On occasion school kits will be sent to disaster areas.
The following is an example of how to assemble a school kit:
Place the following items in a durable cloth bag*.
- 4 unsharpened pencils
- 1 rubber pencil eraser - approximately 1x2 inches
- 1 pair blunt nosed scissors with metal blades
- 1 pencil sharpener
- 1 straight edge ruler - 12 inch, with metric
- Glued or spiral bound notebooks with lined sheets, 8 x 10½, or 8½ x 11 inches
- -Notebooks should total approximately 450 sheets
- -Do not include more than 6 notebooks
- 1 set assorted colored pencils
- -at least 12 per set, approximately 7 inches long
*How to make cloth bags for school kits
Bag:
- Cut one piece heavy, durable fabric 14x36 inches or two pieces 14x18 inches
- With right sides together, sew side seams and across the bottom, ½ inch seam
- Serge or zig-zag all seams
- Serge or zig-zag around the top opening of the bag
- Turn top hem down 1½ inch and sew
Handles:
- Cut two handles 24 x 3½ inches (1 inch webbing may be substituted)
- Fold long sides in ½ inch then fold in half, lengthwise and sew down both long sides
- Attach and reinforce handles 2 inches from side seam along hem. Repeat on opposite side. Handles should be able to hang comfortably over a shoulder like a purse, length about 21 inches long
- Sew a 3 inch strip of Velcro on inside of bag between handle straps
2. Donate Items
In addition to kits, the Church distributes other needed items that you may provide. As the Church responds to humanitarian needs worldwide, the need for specific types of donations (such as bed sheets, children’s clothing, quilts, medical supplies) varies. Please ensure that quality and appearance reflect appropriate high standards. Sometimes we receive a surplus of certain items which means additional donations aren’t necessary. It’s best to check before you give.
For a list of current needs visit: Providentliving.org
Orphanage Modules
A special module with quilts, various supplies, toys and children’s clothing is distributed to orphanages throughout the world. Instructions for most of the items listed below may be found at www.humanitarianservices.org. All items must be un-used.
- Flat twin sheets (66 x 96 inch, cotton or flannel fabrics)
- Soft toys, puppets, dolls, wooden toys and blocks
- Fabric activity books and file folder games (See website)
- Sidewalk chalk (up to 24 per package)
- Jump ropes -store bought
- Wall hangings
- Crayons (up to 24 per package)
- Pencil boxes/pouches
- Pic combs
Children’ Clothing Guidelines
- Sizes: Newborn 0-youth 16
- Fabrics: durable and washable
- Use simple patterns. Double-stitch crotch seams, armholes and pockets.
- Please ensure that zippers, buttons, ties and Velcro are firmly secured
- Stretch of the fabric should always go across the body, not up and down
- No prints of religious symbols, flags or military themes
- Clothing items may include:
- -Pants – please include pockets
- -Sweat pants
- -Dresses – casual, simple play-dresses
- -Shirts
- -Underpants and socks – store bought
- -Onesies
- -Bibs
- -Coats and jackets
- -Baby booties
- -Mittens and gloves
- -Layette gown
- -Hair items for girls (not for infants)
- -Flip-flops
General Information
Your donations will be checked for quality and compliance with standards. All items should be appropriate to send to any country. Please be sensitive to not send items with prints of religious symbols, flags or military themes.
Quilts
Un-used fabric, preferably cotton blends or flannel. High-loft bonded batting is preferred. Quilts may be quilted or tied with yarn ties about 4 inches apart. Please ensure that the ties will not pull out. Do not use fabrics with prints of religious or military themes or any flags.
Approximate sizes are:
- Crib 45x60 inches
- Single 72x90 inches
- Double 90x90 inches
Medical Modules
Medical shipments are in high demand and include a number of different items. Instructions for hospital gowns and scrub tops and pants are available at www.humanitarianservices.org. All medical supplies with an expiration date must have at least 13 months of good date left when the items are donated.
The following first-aid-items in original packaging are needed:
- Ace bandages
- Adhesive bandages, 1 inch wide
- Adhesive tape, 1 inch wide
- Cotton balls, sterile and non-sterile
- Tongue depressors
- Cotton swabs, sterile and non-sterile
- Gauze pads, all sizes
- Gauze rolls, all sizes
- Paper tape, 1 inch wide
3. Donate Money
Generous donations by individuals, corporations and foundations to the Church's Humanitarian Aid Fund make it possible for us to conduct humanitarian activities all over the world. These activities bless the lives of millions of men, women, and children. One hundred percent of all contributions are used to help the needy—the Church uses other funds to cover administrative expenses. You can donate in several ways:
Through local units of the Church: Donation slips are used for the collection of Church contributions, including tithing and fast offerings, and can be obtained from a bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On this donation slip, there is a category entitled "Humanitarian Aid."
By mailing donations to:
Humanitarian Services
50 East North Temple Street, Floor 7
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-6890
Online through LDS Philanthropies: Should you desire your contribution to be used for a particular program, you may do so on this Web site. However, not indicating a particular program gives the Church flexibility to use your contribution where it’s most urgently needed.
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