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Issue 7 February 2013 Latter-day Saints members also helped collect items for 180 Syrian families living in a refugee camp along the Syria/Turkey border. The rainy season flooded the camp and humanitarian workers confessed to the press that basic needs could not be met. Through the interfaith network, organizers partnered with Helping Hands International for Relief and Development, an Islamic foundation dedicated to sending relief items directly into camps. Donations from all of the faith organizations totaled 61 large boxes weighing 30 pounds each. More than 1/3 of the 40foot crate was taken by these donations. The crate left the peninsula and is currently on its way to Syria. The spirit of giving seemed to consume the larger community. Local businesses such as Happy to Fix It, BiRite Foodservice Distributors of Brisbane, and Recology of San Bruno donated their goods and services at no cost. Lowes and Amicis East Coast Pizzeria of San Mateo gave deep discounts to accommodate the needs of the service project. Wed like to thank the members of our stake who contributed to this day. We could not have done it without you. _____________________________________________________
Participating in Public Affairs events is a great way to introduce family, friends, and neighbors to the church. Stay connected so you can take part in the next activity! _____________________________________________________
Peninsula Latter-day Saints Take Part in First-Ever Multi-Faith Service Event on MLK Day
January 21 - We were proud to be among the nearly 200 members of diverse faiths to gather for a day of service in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was a groundbreaking event aimed at bettering the community and uniting believers from 14 churches, mosques, and synagogues. Organizers arranged eight projects located from South San Francisco to Redwood City. Participants had the choice to prepare a meal and serve it to residents at Safe Harbor Shelter Samaritan House, reconstruct and restore an underprivileged and underfunded elementary school in San Bruno, prepare warm-weather items to be sent to Syrian refugees living in the Olive Tree Camp, sort books for needy schools, or throw a kickoff breakfast. Latter-day Saints organizers Heidi Kershaw and Debbie Grewal, from the Public Affairs Committee, directed a project at Belle Air Elementary School in San Bruno. Our efforts focused on the cafeteria, which needed to be refreshed with new paint. Norm Swaton, an expert craftsman in CS2, directed 35 volunteers as they took to the walls and stage with brushes and rollers. There was a tangible sense of delight and urgency to help. Within six hours, the cafeteria walls transformed from dingy beige to two shades of bright blue. Teachers and administrators were excited to see the improvement and noted that they couldnt wait to see the students faces when they entered the next day.
Maryam Mahvi of the Bay Ward treated the congregation to an old Southern spiritual hymn, prompting SFIC Executive Director Michael Pappas to comment that the service provided the best music weve ever had at an interfaith event. The Donovan girls of the Bay Ward also read the Proclamation of Thanksgiving by Abraham Lincoln, to the delight of the congregation. Pastor Maggi Henderson of the Old First Presbyterian Church delivered the keynote address, speaking eloquently and convincingly about how in the midst of all of our angst in todays fast and confusing world, we can find comfort in the knowledge that we are all loved by our creator. The annual service raised over $1,500 for the work of the San Francisco Interfaith Council.
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Latter-Day Saints Serve and Prepare Food for Winter Shelter Program
Latter-day Saints from the Golden Gate and Bay wards spent two evenings with the homeless in San Francisco. On December 3-4, approximately 35 members from the Golden Gate ward served together at St. Marks. Volunteers had the chance to serve a full plate to nearly 60 homeless men-and even had the resources to give seconds. Conversation flowed as the men worked their way through the line. One man noted, The Mormon's know how to do this right." On January 17-18, 35 members of the Bay Ward had the opportunity to work at St. Bonafice near the Tenderloin. Before the meal began, the members sang a song and offered a prayer with the men. The volunteers dished up each plate and then delivered food to the tables, providing an opportunity to talk and get to know each other. Some volunteers just walked around and chatted, creating a meaningful experience for both sides. The men were very appreciative and some even commented that they felt the holy spirit during the song.