In observance of International Day of Service, Jamaican members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, popularly known as LDS or Mormons, took to their local Infirmaries (Nursing Homes) and Children Homes throughout the island to perform a variety of projects.
Projects ranged from beautification and repairs of the physical facilities to providing kits with much needed personal supplies , in addition to assistance with personal grooming and attention. In summary,
A total of 7 schools in Linstead and Portmore, St. Catherine; Hopeton , Manchester; Boulevard and Constant Spring, St. Andrew; and Yallahs, St. Thomas. Nine infirmaries in Montego Bay, St. James; Mandeville, Manchester; Junction, St. Elizabeth; Old Harbour, St. Catherine; Ocho Rios, St. Catherine; and Kingston.
Sister Hardy, a Mormon Missionary living in Ocho Rios, Jamaica said… "The residents seemed very pleased to have us there. They liked the one on one attention that was given to them. They also liked getting their own kit".
In a few areas, Mormons collaborated with co-workers, neighbours and companies of the local community. In the area of St. Elizabeth, the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd donated water and Gatorade for the participants.
Kim Francis, from Kingston, attended the Walkers Place of Safety, a home for abandoned and physically or mentally challenged children. There, they played games, cleaned out the garden, groomed the children, among other things. For her the highlight of the day was "...seeing the faces and the bright smiles of the children. It was overwhelming. I felt happy"
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The number of Mormon volunteers ranged from 10 to 20 persons.
Whatever the size of the group, nothing could prevent everyone present from experiencing the joy of fellowshipping with each other.
After his visit to the May Pen Infirmary, Dwaynie Watson, Leader of the May Pen LDS Congregation, expressed, "…it is compassionate service. It opens up your heart. It's good to know we can do some good in the world…"
For some of the volunteers, this was a repeat trip and they were just as pleased to see that many of the residents remembered them. At the end, many of the residents were sad to see their visitors and new friends go.
Courtney Morrison, a resident and volunteer of the local infirmary in St Elizabeth offered, "The Matron of the Infirmary was very pleased with our service and requested that we continue to support the cause of the facility"
Sounds like a great idea.