Sister Service

Grapefruit and a Freezer

2012-01-17T19:25:00.000-08:00

If your family could use some grapefruit, please contact Chelan Dixon. If you could use a small chest freezer (works but not currently being used), contact Barbara Moss.

Needs in the Ward -- Computer and Quilts

2011-12-30T14:23:00.000-08:00

Betsy Loves needs quilts to use at her daughter's wedding reception. The plan is to use the quilts to cover bales of hay for guest seating. If you have one or more quilts you can loan her, please give Betsy a call or email.
There is a need for a computer tower and mouse in the ward. If you can help with this need, so someone can take on-line classes, please contact the bishop or Dena Baysinger.

Also, Alison Dowell has a baby changing table she is no longer in need of - mocha in color.
If you can use it or know someone who can, please give her a call.

Thanks for all your help and let's all have a Happy New Year serving and helping others!

Please help homeless children get ready for school

2011-07-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

Please help homeless children in this area get ready for school by participating in a school supply drive sponsored by the Gilbert Greenfield Stake. Items needed include:

backpacks
markers
colored pencils
spiral notebooks
dividers
lined paper
pocket folders
erasers
pens
notebook pouches
pencil boxes
scissors
rulers

Items NOT NEEDED in this supply drive are:
crayons
glue sticks
pencils

There will be collection box in the Relief Society Room on Sunday. If you have questions, please call Lynn Hoopes or Dena Baysinger

Family in need

2011-07-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

A family in the ward has had their television set die and does not have the finances to buy a new one. If you have a TV you no longer need or want or know someone who does, please contact Debbie Jones, Joe Chott or Dena Baysinger. Thank you!

Moving on...

2011-07-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

The Petersen family is moving out of the ward this week and they need some help. Please meet at the Petersen's house , 551 E. Sheffield Ave., this Wednesday evening, July 13, at 7 p.m. to help load the moving van with their furniture and belongings. Sisters, please encourage your husbands and sons to come and help out!

The next morning, Thursday, July 14, please come and help the Petersens clean their house so a new family can move in (our friends the Cottams!) Meet that day at 9 a.m. and bring cleaning supplies.

The Petersens also need more moving boxes, so is you have any boxes you no longer need, please call Debbie Petersen.

Thank you so much for your help.

Service in the Summer

2011-06-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Summertime is a great time to serve others. Here are two current opportunities to make a difference helping others!

A Moving Experience

The Petersen Family is moving from the ward within the next month. They will need help with loading their moving van on Wednesday, July 13 and cleaning their house on Thursday, July 14. Please set aside some time to help with this if you can.

The Petersen's also have some furniture items they no longer need, including a futon and chest of drawers. If you know someone in need of these items, please contact Debbie Petersen.

Project "Need to Read"

This project is being sponsored by the organization "Loving Through Literacy." It is a book drive to fill and fund a library in Yekepa, Liberia. Liberia is a country that has been ravaged by 14 years of brutal civil war. The books that were once in this country have long been destroyed and many of the survivors of the war cannot read or write. The new library in Yekepa will be an opportunity to plant seeds of literacy and hope in this war-torn country. Please take any and all types of gently used books to the LDS church on Ray Road between Val Vista and Lindsay where there is a book drop trailer. New or gently used reading glasses for adults in Liberia are also needed, as are cash donations. The deadline for donations to the book drop on at the Ray building is June 25, so don't delay. Clean out those closets and bookshelves and please be generous.

Awesome Service Opportunities

2011-05-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

Feed My Starving Children

This is a non-profit, Christian organization that packages food for distribution to hungry children in 70 poor countries around the world. They need adults and children to volunteer to assemble nutricious food packets which are then shipped to and distributed in countries where need is the greatest. Children as young as 8 (third grade) can volunteer with their parents to help out with this worthy project. On-line registration is needed for volunteers so visit www.fmsc.org to get more details and reserve your time to volunteer. Group volunteering is also needed and encouraged and this would be an ideal project for Scouts, Priesthood and Young Women's Groups. Check it out and volunteer to help feed the hungry!

Stake Blood Drive

Another Stake Blood Drive is coming up this Saturday, May 7. Please contact Mike Petersen of the Settler's Meadow Ward to reserve your time to donate blood and save a life.

Spotlight on Scouting

2011-01-30T19:20:00.001-08:00

This week, we will all have the great opportunity to help the Boy Scouts and those in need at the same time! Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 5, at 8 a.m. when Scouts will be visiting all homes in the ward for the combined Friends of Scouting Drive and the 2011 Scouting for Food Drive.

The Boy Scouts ask that you place non-perishable food in cans and boxes (no glass containers please) in a bag on your front porch by 8 a.m. Saturday morning. All food donations will go to help needy families in the East Valley.

As you think about food you can donate to those in need through the Scouts, please also consider making a generous donations to the annual Friends of Scouting drive. The goal of the drive is $50 per Scout, however any donation will gladly be accepted and all are asked to participate and give what they can. Donations are tax deductable. Checks shouls be made out to the Boy Scouts of America.

Scouting is the activity arm of the priesthood for young men and truly prepares them to become honorable, hard-working men of integrity. Thank you for your generous support of the Boy Scouts in our ward as they serve others.

Have a HEART and get a new VISION of service!

2011-01-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

Each year the Lion's Club collects and recycles thousands of pair of prescription glasses and then distributes the glasses to those in need here in Arizona and around the world. There is currently a drive going on in this area for prescription glasses and sunglasses in all conditions, even broken. If you have any old prescription glasses, in any condition, or non-prescription sunglasses in good condition that you can donate, please contact Debbie Jones.

Help the thousands and thousands of Americans affected by heart disease by supporting our own Ila Leonhardt as she participates in the Phoenix Heart Walk this February. If you can support her with a donation, please contact Ila for details.

Another Eagle Project to Support

2010-12-19T19:29:00.001-08:00

Christian Freudendahl will be doing his Eagle Scout Project Monday, December 20 and Tuesday, December 21. He will be doing some painting at Settler's Point Elementary School, so please come and help Chris at noon on Monday and at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Bring any painting supplies you have such as rollers, brushes, drop cloths or ladders. Donations to cover the cost of paint and supplies are also welcome. For more information, contact Christian at (480)792-0781.

Thanks for your help and support of this great service project!!

Please Support Josh Jones' Eagle Project

2010-12-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

Joshua Jones, a Scout in the Settler's Meadow Ward, has started his Eagle Scout Project. He is collecting items for the Sunshine Acres Children's Home in Mesa, Arizona. (If you would like to learn more about this amazing place for children and teens please go to www.sunshineacres.org)

Please help by donating any of the following items:

cleaning supplies

hygiene items (soap, deodorant, feminine care items etc.)

paper products (paper towels, paper plates, plastic where, cups, napkins, toilet paper, tissues)

batteries (all sizes, especially AA)

Fast-food and store gift cards

movie passes

Please call Josh for pick-up of items at (480)726-1990. There will also be a collection box at the church beginning next Sunday.

Thank you for your support!

Clothing for Babies

2010-11-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

I received the following email from Malcolm MaClay with a wonderful idea for serving and sharing this holiday season:

"Nedra and I along with 8 others from the company I work for are traveling to the Sunshine Orphanage near Cusco, Peru. We are leaving Dec. 30 and will be spending most of the time making repairs to the orphanage water system and dormatory. We are putting on a New Years Eve party and Christmas for the 38 orphans when we get there on the afternoon of the 31st. Here is where, perhaps some members could help. We are putting together new born kits for the local hospital, so if anyone has newborn clothing they no longer need, some baby Peruvian would really appreciate leaving the hospital with some clothes on. Thanks for your help"...Malcolm

If you have newborn clothing you could donate, please contact Malcom or Nedra.

Know about any other service ideas and opportunities?? Email me!

Debbie Jones

Blood Drive - Give the Gift of Life

2010-11-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

The stake is holding another blood drive Saturday, December 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Please contact Jordan Dahl or go to http://www.bloodhero.com/ sponsor code Greenfield. Be generous and give the gift of life this holiday season!

Support Daniel's Eagle Project

2010-10-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

Daniel Lee is improving the Brown Peak Trail in the Four-Peak Wilderness area for his Eagle Scout Project. The clean-up will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 beginning at 8 a.m.. Please contact Daniel or Richard Lee for more details and make plans to come and help clean up this beautiful wilderness area.

Simple, Nutritious Meals Needed

2010-10-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

There is a very real need for additional help with meals for a family in the ward whose father has a serious back injury. Meals for mom and the two children are now being scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday of next week and the next week.

The dates meals are needed are as follows:Monday, Oct. 18; Wednesday, Oct. 20; Friday, Oct. 22; Monday, Oct. 25; Wednesday, Oct. 27; Friday, Oct. 29. If you can provide a meal one of more of these evenings (at 6:30 p.m.) please email or call Deborah Jones. Economical, easy casseroles are fine and would be a great help to this family in their time of trial and need. Please let me know when you can help.

Thank you so much.

Opportuntities to Share and Serve

2010-10-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Stake Relief Society Meeting Donations

Below are the lists of donations needed for the Service Room for our Stake Relief Society Meeting on October 21st. Please drop off items in the Young Women Room of the Stake Center any time during the day. (Please note that the collection for the Mexico City Mission is being postponed; however, if you already have items for Mexico City please bring them and we will save them.) Thank you so much for the love and service you joyfully give within your own wards and to others.

We are collecting the following for the Oct. 21 Stake Relief Society Meeting:

Homemade receiving blankets, baby caps, and booties for newborns at Mercy Gilbert Hospital and The Women's Birth and Wellness Center. A simple pattern for a receiving blanket can be obtained by emailing Debbie Jones or Dena Baysinger. There are many online patterns for caps and booties, which are usually crocheted or knitted. Sisters, if you would like to bring these to work on in your lap while you attend classes during the Oct. 21 Stake Relief
Society event, please feel free to do so.

The stake relief society is also collecting items of critical need for the Children First Academy which is a school for children in families who are homeless. The list of needs includes:

Coughdrops
Small paper cups
Clear calamine lotion
Children's Tylenol
Children's Ibuprofen
Children's Zyrtec
Claritin
Lice shampoo
Baby wipes
Non-latex gloves
Lamasil cream
Lotrimin Cream
Hydrocortisone cream 1 %
Johnson and Johnson No Hurt Wash
Jelly
Healthy Snacks
Pasta
Packaged side dishes
Rice
Water
Spaghetti Sauce
Socks
New underwear (size 5 - 3 6)
Powder detergent
Shampoo
Conditioner
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Tooth brushes
Body soap

Other Needs Within Our Ward

Families within our ward boundaries are in need of mattresses (twin and king size) and a used but working refrigerator. If you have any of these items to donate, please contact Dena Baysinger. Thank you for helping and sharing.

Computer Needed

2010-09-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

There is a need in the ward for a working computer. The computer could be old if it still has word processing and internet capabilities. If you have a computer you aren't using and would like to donate it to really help someone out, please contact Dena Baysinger.

Current Opportunities to Help and Serve

2010-09-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

Birth Mother Gift Basket Donations Needed

At this year's Regional Adoption Conference, sponsored by LDS Family Service, they will be helping to put together birth mother baskets. A birth mother basket is a special gift basket designed for a birth mother, who after making the loving decision to place her child for adoption, often leave the hospital empty handed and with a heavy heart. These baskets are put together with each birth mother in mind and are specifically made just for her. The baskets consist of bed and bath products, candy, frames and journals. These baskets are hand delivered by other birth mothers from the LDS Family Services Birth Parent Support Group.

Some things that are needed for the baskets are:•Comfy socks for the hospital •Composition books that we can decorate •Cute pens/pencils •Candles •Journals (every basket) •Lotions •Bath Salts •Bath Bubbles •Movies •Jewelry •photo frames •Music CDs •Inspirational Books •Hair Products •Make Up •Finger Nail Polish •Manicure/Pedicure Sets •Photo Albums •Magazines •Small Blankets •Slippers •Stuffed Animals •Gift Certificates(Massages, spa treatments, pedicure, manicure, movies or book store etc.) •Large Baskets •Tissue Paper •Ribbon •Silk Flowers •Jewels to decorate frames, cards and such •Scrapbook paper •Anything to make crafts

If you can donate any items to go into these thoughtful and much appreciated gift baskets, please contact Dena Baysinger.

Wheel Chair, Cane or Walker Needed

A family in the ward is in need of wheel chair, cane or walker to assist a family member with two herniated disks become mobile. If you have any of these items that you would be willing to loan, please contact Debbie Jones or Dena Baysinger.

Thanks for helping others!

Letters from Home

2010-09-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Debbie Jones is putting together a "care package" of letters and cards from ward members for Marc Wagner, a member of our ward serving in the military in Southern Afghanistan. Writing to him would be a great family home evening activity. Let's let Marc know that we care about him and are grateful for the service he is giving to our country. Please give all letters and cards to Debbie Jones by Sunday, September 12, 2010. Thanks for remembering and encouring those fighting for freedom and liberty far from home!

Family in Need of Children's School Clothing

2010-08-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

If you have any extra large boys (young man's) or extra large girls school clothing (especially shorts and tops) that you could pass along to a family in the ward in need, please contact Debbie Jones or Dena Baysinger. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to help others.

Memorial Service

2010-07-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

Memorial Services for John Koch's mother-in-law, Teresa, will take place this Thursday, morning, July 29, at 9:30 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 3450 West Ray Road in Chandler. If you knew Teresa, please attend the service, if you can, to support the Koch family at this time. If you didn't know Teresa but would like to help with the family luncheon, which will take place after the service, please contact Linda Booth. Help is needed with food items for the luncheon as well as set-up and clean-up. Thank you so much for your willingness to serve.

Thank You for Your Service

2010-07-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

Donna Atherton passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by her family. The Athertons wish to thank all who so generously served Donna and the Atherton family during the past several weeks. The love and service that was shown made Donna's final days on earth a little easier and also gave comfort to her loved ones. Thank you for always being so very willing to serve when there is a need.

Looking for Summer Community Service? Check this out!

2010-06-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed
The Chandler and Gilbert senior centers need volunteers to deliver lunchtime meals to senior citizens. Deliveries will be between 10 a.m and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteers will be trained and reimbursed for mileage. For more information contact Tony Johnson at (480)503-6058 or tjohnson@csainc.org.

Sign Up to Help at the Hospital
Gilbert Hospital at 5656 So. Power Road, will host a meeting this Saturday, June 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for those interested in volunteering at the hospital. The meeting will include breakfast and a tour of the hospital. Fill out an application at www.gilberter.com, then click Community & Wellness, the Volunteering.

Donate Blood!
There is a critical need for blood donations during the summer months. Banner Gateway Medical Center is hosting a blood drive next Thursday, July 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. If you can donate, get further information, contact Kathy Williams at (480)543-2862 or kathryn.williams@bannerhealth.com.

Respite Care Needs

2010-06-03T18:51:00.001-07:00

Good news! Donna Atherton is home from the hospital. She is staying at Cindy Atherton's home. Respite care would be great appreciate so if you can give two hours of your time and stay with Donna any day within the next three weeks, please call or email Debbie Jones as soon as possible! Thanks to Colette Cordner, Connie Taylor and Ila Leonhardt who have already volunteered to give respite care during the month of June. Thanks also to all who have provided dinner to the Athertons during this challenging time. We also need a volunteer to do one more dinner on Monday, June 21. Again, call or email Debbie Jones if you can provide a dinner to the Athertons on that night.

:-D

Current Needs for Compassionate Service

2010-05-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Meals
If you can provide a meal for the Atherton Family this Friday (tomorrow - May 28) please call or email Debbie Jones. Meals are also needed for Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights next week.

Moving Help
The Allred family needs help with their move from the ward this week.

Kaylene indicates that she could use help with cleaning her new home THIS MORNING at 9:15-11:30 a.m. at her new home. The address is shown below. Bring cleaning supplies and shelf paper.

Also, she needs help this Saturday May 29th 2:00-4:00 p.m. at their old Jasper Ct. house for the final cleaning (bring rags, favorite cleaner if you can)

If you can help with heavy lifting, be at Allred's Jasper Ct. house this coming Saturday at 7:30 a.m.

Allred's new Mesa address is:

2251 N. 32nd St. #3

Mesa, AZ 85213

Kaylene asks that anyone coming to help this morning call her for the gate code so they can get in to the new house.

Thanks for your willingness to serve.

Urgent Need for Meals and Respite Care

2010-05-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

We are blessed with an opportunity to serve a family and their dear friend in the ward. As many of you know Cindy Atherton's friend Donna has terminal brain cancer she recently had her last surgery. Donna now stays at her own home (two doors down from the Atherton's) with Cindy during the day and at Atherton's home at night. Due to her condition, Donna cannot be left alone so we are looking for Sisters who can donate two hours of their time once a week to just sit with Donna.

Two hour increments will give Cindy time to run errands and get groceries. Please let Ann or Debbie know if you can help out. Respite care time slots are 10:00am to 12:00noon, 1:00pm to 3:00pm or at night or Saturday if you can't help during the week. We will be trying to have someone come on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday so if you have a couple of hours to give please let us know. If you work during the day and would like to cover from 6:00pm to 8:00pm that would work also.

Donna is obviously not able to clean her own home. If you or your family could come in and help with normal weekly maintenance, i.e., bathroom cleaning, dusting and vacuuming, please contact Debbie Jones.

In addition, there is a need for meals for Donna and the Atherton's on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. There will be three adults and four children to feed. Please call Debbie Jones if you can provide a dinner or help with one.

Please contact --
Ann Freudendahl at cell: 480-225-0480 or Debbie Jones if you can help with important and much needed service.

Stake Blood Drive

2010-04-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

If you are able to donate blood, please participate in the stake blood drive this Saturday from

7 a.m. until noon. Please call James Cobb at (480)223-8985 or Sharon Ryan at (602)318-5105 for an appointment.

Help Make A Miracle April 27 - 29

2010-04-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

This is Daylon. He is the son of one of the girls who was in our Young Womens in our ward in Corona, California a few years back. Daylon is obviously a very sick little boy. He has a very serious disease that most of us can't even pronounce. He has been given one year to live. An experimental treatment that would cost more than his parents can afford is the only chance Daylon has to live.

Two other girls (sisters) from our Corona Ward Young Women, (also married and moms) have decided to sponsor a silent auction at their craft blog website on April 27-29 with all proceeds going to help Daylon's parents pay for the treatment that could save his life.

Read about this effort at http://servingpinklemonade.blogspot.com/2010/04/you-can-make-difference-you-can-help.html and help out if you can.

Book Drive for Kids

2010-04-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the over 90 children's and young adult books that have been generously donated to this effort to provide books for disadvantaged children. The book drive will continue until the end of April, so if you or your children have books that have been gently read and can be enjoyed again, please contact Debbie Jones who will come and pick-up your donation. Books should be in new or gently used condition and appropriate for children or teens. All donations go to the organization Kids Need to Read to help needy children in this area improve their literacy skills.

Kids Need to Read is a national nonprofit charity focusing on promoting childhood literacy and addressing the deplorable state of library funding that currently exists in the United States. Donating exciting, books to schools, public libraries, health clinics and shelters in need, the foundation works to develop a lifelong love of reading in all children.

The highly praised Kids Need to Read book donation list features the best of contemporary reading material to appeal to the sensibilities of today’s youth, including the most reluctant of readers. Whether it is giving free comics and Highlights for Children magazines to homeless children or providing the first books to a charter school with no library, Kids Need to Read focuses on one goal – getting kids to pick up something to read and never wanting to stop.

Kids Need to Read

2010-04-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

Imagine what life would be like if you couldn't read. Imagine what your home would be like if it didn't have any books in it. Being able to read and having interesting things to read is something many of us take for granted, yet in our own community there are children who struggle with reading and lack access to books, both at home and at school.

Books open minds, inspire imaginations and stimulate intelligence and reading is the single most important skill a child must learn to be a productive member of society.

Kids Need to Read, is an organization that helps disadvantaged children have access to high quality literature that will foster in them a love of reading and learning. A local book drive, going on through the month of April, will allow needy children in this area to have books in their schools and homes!

If you can donate any new or gently used children's or young adult books, please contact Debbie Jones. Thank you for helping children learn to love reading!

One Small Step

2010-03-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

Photo from babybirdproductions.com

The follow note comes from the Buell family:

There is a small charity in Chandler that distributes clothing to people in need. The website is http://onesmallsteponline.org/. They are currently short on kids clothes for summer. If people wanted to donate clothes, they could drop them off at our house and we could deliver them to the charity. Below is the request from the person who runs the charity:

"We're having a critical shortage of kids clothes for summer, sizes 8-16. If you have ANY resources, friends, a church group, somebody wanting to do community service, please steer them in the direction of a clothing collection, but targeted toward KIDS sizes 8 to 16. I have enough to get through this week, but I think next week is going to be sparse if we don't get something fast. Thanks!"

Thanks to the Buells for the great service idea. If you can participate by donating children's summer clothing in sizes 8-16, please contact Marie or Brian Buell or Debbie Jones.

217 Pair of Socks ---Thanks to you!

2010-02-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

The Socks for Soldiers drive is over with 217 pair of socks collected for our soldiers!! Thank you to everyone who donated socks. You're awesome!

"Socks for Soldiers" Deadline This Week

2010-02-15T13:18:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: media-2.web.Britanica.com

Thanks to all who have participated in the "Socks for Soldiers" drive so far. Several others have expressed the desire to participate and all are encouraged to take part in this project to help our soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Please note that the deadline to get new, white, athletic socks to Debbie Jones is this Wednesday evening (Feb. 17, 2010). Please take all sock donations to Debbie Jones' home or call her for pick-up. Thank you for helping our men and women in uniform.

Need at TV?

2010-02-03T20:27:00.000-08:00

If you or anyone you know is in need of a free, working 27 inch television, contact former ward member Rosie Webster or Debbie Jones.

Socks for Soldiers

2010-01-29T20:43:00.000-08:00

Here is another great opportunity to help our United States military men and women deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Although our troops are issued socks, they often don't have a way to get new ones when theirs are wet, dirty or worn out. This is where we can really make a difference and show our support for these men and women who make peace and freedom possible. Please donate one or several pair of new, white cotton socks to the "Socks for Soldiers" drive. Please make sure the socks are high tops since low cut socks don't do well in army boots. Bring any and all donations to Debbie Jones' home, call for pick-up or bring the socks to church on Sunday. This special "Socks for Soldiers" drive runs only through February 17, so pick up an extra package of white, cotton, high-top socks next time you are at the store and donate them to show your appreciate and support for our troops.

Ktichen Stove Needed

2010-01-28T20:12:00.000-08:00

A family in the ward is in need of a working kitchen stove. If you have one you don't need or know someone who does, please contact Ann Freudendahl.

Moving Help Needed this Weekend

2010-01-22T20:40:00.000-08:00

We have the opportunity to help move two sisters in the ward this weekend. Terra Luff, 89 East Gail Drive, is moving tomorrow, Saturday (Jan. 23) at 11 a.m.. Later in the day, come and help welcome move a new member of the ward into her new home. Christina Girigan is moving into the home at 1251 So. Honeysuckle Lane in the Settler's Crossing subdivision, tomorrow night at 5 p.m.. Call Kris LeSueur for details about both of these opportunities to provide much needed service to others.

Friends of Scouting and Scouting for Food

2010-01-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

Friends of Scouting

The 2010 Friends of Scouting drive will take place this Tuesday, January 26, from 6 until 8 p.m.. All homes in the ward will be visited at that time, so please be generous with your monetary donations to this wonderful organization that does so much for our Young Men. Cash or checks will be accepted an tax deductible receipts given. Please make checks out to Boy Scouts of America.

Scouting for Food

Please mark your calendars for the annual Scouting for Food drive that will take place Saturday, February 6, 2010 beginning at 8 a.m.. The scouts will be visiting all homes in our ward to college canned and boxed non-perishable food items which will help stock the shelves of local food banks. Please place your donations outside your front door early (before 8 a.m. if possible) on Saturday, February 6. Thank you for your generosity.

Help for Haiti

2010-01-16T18:34:00.000-08:00

If you can help with emergency relief for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, go to
http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse

You may also donate at church using a tithing envelope and specifying Humanitarian Relief, Emergency Response on the "tithing slip".

Make a real difference this Christmas

2009-12-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

Sharla Kennedy is a member of our ward and has a special request. See below the text of an email she sent me Friday:

My name is Sharla Kennedy. I have a friend who's little sister lives in Surprise. She has four little girls and her husband has lost his job and neither one of them have been able to find a job for quite a few months. Her mother and aunt are paying their rent for them and they are getting help through the state, I think, to help with their utilities, but they were with out electricity for about a week not to long ago. :( They will not have a Christmas without help from someone. I am so grateful to you that you can help me get this out to the sisters who can give these precious girls a Merry Christmas!! There is Elexis 8yrs, size 8. Tehani 6yrs, size 7. Maia 4yrs, size 4t. And Jayda 2yrs, size 2t. I don't know of any wishes but Im sure they will be trilled just to get SOMETHING so anything anyone wants to give will be appreciated!!! I want to thankyou so much for this!!! I can't even express in words how much this means to be able to give this to them! Thank you SOOOOOOO much!!!!

If you can help this family at Christmas, please contact Sharla. Her number and address is on the ward list.

Pay It Forward to the Troops

2009-12-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

Each year, thousands of American men and women spend their holidays overseas in the combat zones. Please let them know troops know that we are grateful for their service and sacrifice. This weekend, Pay it Forward to our Troops by donating goods for gift packages from home that will be sent to our soldiers overseas. There are hundreds of items on their holiday list. Drop off your donation at your nearest Valley Honda Dealer today and help make this holiday season a little brighter. The nearest Honda dealer drop off point is:

Santan Honda, 1150 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler, AZ 85286, 480 285-2800.

Please follow the link below for a list of needed items and more details:

http://www.kpho.com/community/21680870/detail.html

Be a Hero...

2009-11-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

...donate blood! The stake blood drive will take place this Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 7 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the cultural hall of the stake center. Please call James Cobb at (480)223-8985 for more information, or visit http://www.bloodhero.com/ (sponsor code: greenfield).

Help Keep a Child Warm

2009-11-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a great service project for all you crafters and would-be crafters...knit or crochet 8 inch squares to be used in making blankets for AIDS orphans in Africa. Details and instructions can be found at:
http://www.knit-a-square.com/

What a great family, Activity Day or Young Women's or Scout project this would make! Youth can learn a new skill (knitting or crocheting) while helping others.

Operation Christmas Child

2009-11-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Here is a great family service idea for this week -- fill a shoe box for a needy child by participating in Operation Christmas Child. Your children will love shopping for small items they can send to another child in this country or another who lacks even the basic necessitites.

Here's how it works: Just fill an empty shoe box (or a plastic storage box about the same size) with items a needy child could use. Gift ideas include small toys, school supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, comb, brush, hard candy, t-shirts, socks, underwear or anything else that would brighten the Christmas season for a child in need.

Collection dates are November 16-21 and Christmas shoe boxes can be dropped off locally at Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, 919 E. Guadalupe Rd. in Gilbert. The phone number of the church is (800) 579-8091.

For more information and a list of specific needed items, go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ and click on Operation Christmas Child.

Easy Service

2009-11-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some of quick and easy ways to think to others this fall:

USED SHOE DRIVE

Simply donate your old athletic shoes to the Nike Shoe Drive by Thursday, November 19. The rubber from the soles of your old shoes will be recycled and used to make tracks, basketball courts and playgrounds safer for children in the local area. The recycled rubber coating will be donated to high needs schools, so keep your closet decluttered, help the environment and keep kids safe with your old tennis amd athletic shoes. Call Debbie Jones or take your old shoes to her home from drop-off.

KNIT HAPPENS

Teens, are you looking for a project to help you earn hours of community service? Please join Knit Happens at the Pretty Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Road. The primary aim of the group is to knit/crochet 8” x 8” squares to make blankets for HIV AIDS orphans in Africa. Earn 2 hours of community service for every usable square you complete! Don't know how to knit or crochet? Experts will be on hand to teach you! This group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays or each month from 2:30 to 4 p.m.. For more information, call the Perry Library Branch at (602) 652-3000.

STEWARDSHIP SATURDAY

Help with habitat restoration, trail development and more during Stewardship Saturday at the Riparian Preserve (southeast of Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads in Gilbert), next Saturday, November 14 from 8 to 10 a.m.. Bring pruning equiment, gloves, hat and water and wear sunscreen!

GET INVOLVED!! SERVE OTHERS!!

Come have a 'moving experience' tomorrow night

2009-09-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

The Seiter family is moving into another home within the ward this week. If you can help them move, please come to 1274 So. Palm St., tomorrow night, Wednesday, September 30. There will be two shifts that moving help are needed for -- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.. If you can come and work either shift or part of one, your help will be greatly appreciated.

Come and Help Alec Iverson's Eagle Project

2009-09-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

Looking for a service opportunity over the Labor Day Weekend? Alec Iverson has started work on his Eagle Project and needs our help and support. He is building a wall at Settler's Point Elementary which will allow part of the play ground to be leveled and later, cemented. If you can come and help out, please meet at Settler's Point Elementary at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning(Saturday, September 5). Please bring a shovel, pick axe or wheelbarrow if you have one. Breakfast will be provided. The project will continue Monday morning (September 7) at 7 a.m.. Please support Alec and help out if you can. Scouts are especially encouraged to participate.

Urgent needs within the ward

2009-08-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

In these tough economic times, a member of our ward family urgently needs the following items:

A refrigerator (her freezer has gone out)

Twin size mattress for a bunk bed

Infant car seat baby on the way in October

If you can can help with any of these items, please respond to this post or get in touch with Ann Fruedendahl, Debbie Jones or Cindy Atherton. Thank you.

Support Our Troops Website Correction and Deadline

2009-08-12T19:43:00.001-07:00

Thanks to those who have so generously responded with items to send to our military men and women overseas in harm's way. For those who have not donated items for the troops, but would like to, please have your donations to me (Debbie Jones) by Saturday, August 22. If you prefer, I can come and pick up any donations you have. There was a mistake in the website link to the East Valley Military Support Group in the last post. The correct website is:
https://www.eastvalleymilitarysupportgroup.org

Go to the website to see a list of the specific items needed by the troops. Please help with whatever you can.
Thanks.

Support Our Troops

2009-08-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

The East Valley Military Support Group has been shipping 100 care packages a month to our troops in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003. The founder of the group, a Chandler woman named Faith Steele, recently put out a call for donations for the care packages.

Items needed include snack foods (no pork or pork products), sanitary and comfort items, books and magazines, DVDs, CDs, board games, balls, pens, paper and other writing materials. There is a an especially urgent need right now for ramen noodles, toilet paper, baby wipes and sunblock. The group is also looking for volunteers to help package and mail the items overseas and of course cash donations to pay for postage are always welcome. Find out more at:

https://www.eastvalleymiliatrysupportgroup.org/

If you have items you would like to donate, please contact Debbie Jones, or bring them to her home. She will be delivering all items donated to Mrs. Steele (the founder) for shipment overseas.

Thanks for supporting the courageous young men and women who keep us free.

Another Service Opportunity

2009-08-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who helped make the supply service project a huge success. Over 50 school supply kits were assembled by our ward primary girls during their activity day this week. These back-to-school kits will be donated to needy children in the East Valley area.

Another opportunity to serve in the community is coming up on September 19. Volunteers are needed for many functions at the Gilbert Constitution Week celebration. If you are over 18 and interested in helping with this outstanding event, please contact Lara Law.

Thanks for all your willingness to help others and our community!

School Supply Reminder and a Need for Sleeping Mats

2009-08-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

School Supply Service Reminder
If you can participate in the School Supply Service project that the primary girls are doing, please bring any new school supplies to the Dahl's, Buell's or Jones' before Wednesday. All schools items are needed, from backpacks to notebooks, to paper and pencils. Also, new children's underwear and socks in various sizes and shoes in various sizes are needed. Please help the primary girls in the ward help families in need as the new school year begins. If you have questions, please call Sonja Dahl, Marie Buell or Deborah Jones. Thank you for your support!

Need for Air or Foam Mattresses
The Dahl family is needing to borrow foam or air mattresses for guests who will be coming to Ian's wedding. Please contact Sonja if you have have a mattress or two she can borrow.

Thank you so much for your help and service to others!

Back to School Service Project

2009-07-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Sister Marie Buells's Primary class of girls is planning a great back-to-school service project. These young ladies are collecting school supplies and other back-to-school items for needy children. They will be assembling school back packs complete with school supplies on August 5, 2009.

If you can help with donations of any school supplies, back packs, or new socks, underwear (for boys or girls in various sizes), or shoes, please contact Marie Buell or Deborah Jones. There are lots of great back-to-school sales this week, so please buy a little extra when shopping for your own children, so that needy children can also have the things they need to have a great school year. Thanks so much for your support and willingness to help others.

Thanks also to all those who donated water for the homeless as part of the Eagle Scout Project!

Water, Water Everywhere....

2009-07-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

If you can donate bottled water to the homeless and at the same time help a Boy Scout complete his Eagle Project, please bring any and all new sealed bottled water to Debbie Jones' home today or tomorrow. Bottled water is on sale at many stores right now, so please donate what you can. Thank you so much for your help.

Summer Service -- Back to the Basics

2009-07-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching

With summer vacations, its sometimes difficult to get together for home and visiting teaching, but no less important, so go the extra mile, this month to make sure you visit everyone on your list to make sure that everyone is healthy, happy and having a Super Summer!

Temple Service

The Mesa Temple is open all summer (no summer maintenance closure) and the air conditioning there works fine :-D Sessions are at 5:30 a.m, 6:00 a.m., and every 30 minutes from 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Saturday sesson are every 30 minutes 6:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m.. The temple is closed on Monday. If you have specific questions, call (480)833-1211.

The youth of the ward are preparing to spend an evening at the temple doing baptisms for the dead, this Thursday (tomorrow), July 23. Girls need to be at the church at 4:15 p.m. and boys need to meet at the church at 5:15 p.m.. Parents, make sure your youth are able to participate. If you have questions or need clarification, please contact your youth leaders.

Help the homeless with water

Let's face it, it has been just brutally hot the past several days. Imagine what it would be like if you didn't have that nice, air-conditioned home to retreat too. It is not uncommon for 30+ homeless people to die because of the heat here in the valley during the summer. Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the nation taking more people than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lightening combined. Water can make the difference between life and death for those who don't have a cool place to go during the heat of the summer., and you can help make a difference. Andrew Jones, of Gilbert, is collecting bottled water for the needy as his Eagle Scout Project. Please drop off a case or two of bottled water (or whatever you can) at Generations Family Practice, 3336 East Chandler Heights Road, Suite 113, in Chandler, today, tomorrow or Friday betweem 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or call (480)620-4436 for more information. Any amount you can donate will help and all water will be delivered to Central Arizona Shelter Services in Phoenix this Saturday.

Help the Kittermans come back home!

2009-07-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

The Kitterman family is moving back into the ward. They are moving into the former Moore home (256 East Jasper) this Saturday (July 18) morning at 6 a.m.. Please come and help if you can and let's welcome this wonderful family back into our ward!

Crisis Support Team Needs Volunteers

2009-06-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Gilbert Police Department needs volunteers for its Crisis Support Team (CST). The team currenly has 22 volunteers specially trained to respond to traumatic and critical incidents in Gilbert. Team members provide support and resources to victims of serious events such as fatal traffic accidents, suicides, injured/ill persons and death notifications. If you are interested in serving as a member of this team and making a real difference in our community, contact the Gilbert Police volunteer coordinator at (480)635-7711.

Can You Help Provide Dinner for a Large Family?

2009-05-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

A large family in the ward (8 adults and 1 child) needs dinners for three nights this week due to the hospitalization of a family member. Please contact Debbie Jones if you can help.

Get Ready for Back-to-School

2009-05-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

But school just got out, right? True, but some needy families are already worried about outfitting their children for going back to school in August. There is a real need for back packs and school supplies of all kinds, as well as new socks, underwear and shoes for children from pre-school to high school. If you see some great sales this summer on any of these items, please consider buying extras to donate to these needy children. At least one group in the ward is planning a service project this summer to provide supply filled back packs to kids in needs, so if you can help out in any way, please contact Debbie Jones.

Got an extra bed?

2009-05-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

A family in our area is in need of a bed. If you have one you are not using and can donate it to help a mother-to-be sleep more comfortably, please call or email Debbie Jones or Cynthia Atherton. Any size is OK. Thanks for helping!

Teen Summer Service Idea

2009-05-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

Teenagers ar being sought by the Perry Branch Library, (1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. Gilbert), to help with the Summer Reading Incentive Program. Anyone interested should attend a Volunteer Round-up, Thursday, May 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.. At this event, you will meet library staff, receive information about volunteering at the library and participate in a screening interview. Call 602-652-3000 for more information.

Eagle Scout Project

2009-05-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Please come and help Spencer Warner improve the safety at Barney Park. This Eagle Scout Project will take place this coming Saturday, May 9 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Barney Park (behind South Valley Junior High School). Spencer's project is to add addtional railing to the bleachers at the park. Please bring a cordless drill (with charged batteries) and a 13 mm socket wrench, if you have one. Thanks for helping this young man with a worthwhile project.

Computer Available

2009-04-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

David Leonhardt has a five-year-old computer that is still in good working order. It has most of the Office applications as well as Quicken on it. Anyone who can use this computer can have it, so please contact David if you or someone you know needs a good used computer.

Needed...somewhere to eat dinner

2009-04-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dezirayarmenta/mystory

Click on the link above to find out more about Deziray Armenta, the 8-year-old in our neighborhood who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Deziray's family is in need of a kitchen table and chairs and also one or two folding "TV" trays so that Deziray will be able to eat with her family when she comes home from the hospital. If you can help with any of the items Deziray's family needs, call Debbie Jones or Ann Freudendahl.

Sunday Clothes and Meals

2009-04-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

Church Clothes
There is an urgent need in the ward for church clothes for two children. A 12-year-old boy needs dress pants, size 36x29 and an extra large white shirt. The girl needs one or two dresses in size 10. If you can help with dress clothes for either of these children, please contact Debbie Jones.

Meals
If you would be willing and able to provide a dinner for a large family Wednesday or Thursday, April 8 or 9, please contact Debbie Jones by phone or email as soon as possible. The mother of this family is having surgery and the meals would really help out. There are ten people in the family, so a large casserole, or pot of soup would be just the ticket. Thank you so much for your service.

Volunteer Opportunities at Deseret Industries

2009-03-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

If you want to donate your talents, energy, and time, Deseret Industries may offer a perfect volunteer opportunity.

Duties of Volunteers
Volunteers are an important resource to Deseret Industries. By assisting in processing and merchandising donations and in the Rehabilitation Services training program, volunteers offer needed service. Based on each store's needs, volunteers may serve in many capacities, including:
Processing donations
Store recovery
Merchandising shelves
Office assistance
Trainee mentoring

Getting Started
To offer your service, please contact the store manager at the Mesa Deseret Industries, 1020 West Bradway, Mesa, AZ (480)964-8738. Indicate your desire to volunteer and share your qualifications, life experience, and interests. The manager will welcome your willingness to volunteer and schedule you according to the available store positions for which you are most suited

Family Home Evening Idea

2009-03-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.ldsliving.com/magazine/show/1947/FHE:-Service

Check the link above for a great Family Home Evening lesson on service.

Family Needs

2009-03-11T05:28:00.000-07:00

House Needed
A family in the ward is looking for a three bedroom house to rent, in the ward if possible. Please contact the bishop if you know of one.

Home Daycare
There is also a need in the area for home daycare. If you are interested or know of a daycare provider with openings, please contact Ann Freudendahl.

Prayers, please

2009-03-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Desiree Gonzales. She is 8yrs old and in 2nd grade as Settler's Point. Her mother Stephanie has been visiting with the missionaries, Sister Freudendahl, and the Bishop for the past several months. Last Friday Desi was diagnosed with Leukemia. Today she started chemotherapy and will hopefully come home from the hospital in a couple of weeks. She will have to miss at least six months of school if all goes well. Some of your children may know Desi or Ray, her older brother in 4th grade. I'm sure that he would appreciate a kind word at this difficult time for their family. They have made arrangements for care and seem to have been able to plan everything that they need for the moment.

Thanks,
Bishop

Just What the Doctor Ordered

2009-03-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Patient Pride, a non-profit agency specializes in nurturing hospitalized and long-term-care patients. This organization currently needs people willing to provide a TLC to patients by volunteering to apply moisturizer and makeup to women in hospitals and care centers who are in need of a little personal attention. Volunteers are asked to commit to provide this service three hours per week. Training is provided. For details call Beverly Barnes at (480)596-0126.

Ride Share

2009-03-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year, when lots of people are planning trips for the spring and summer. If you are planning to go to Women's Conference, EFY, General Conference or another event in the Provo/Salt Lake City area and are willing to have someone share a ride and help with expenses, please contact Debbie Jones. At least one person in our ward is looking to share a ride to that area. If are willing to share a ride and save a bit of money on your next trip north, please let me know. Thanks.

Service Update for March 1

2009-03-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your help
Thank you to all who have helped by donating some of the items urgently needed by families in our area. Your generousity is very much appreciated.

Need for Double Mattress
We still need a double mattress for a family in need during this very tough economic time. Please contact Debbie Jones, Ann Freudendahl or Bishop Bullock if you have one you can donate.

Service Idea for the Week
Write a letter to someone. Email and Facebook is great, but remember, some people, especially those who are older, are not connected to the same extent younger ones are. Maybe you have an older friend or relative who would love to hear from you. Remember, a letter is a gift of your time and shows you care, and even today, everyone loves to get a letter from a friend.

Urgent Need for Basic Items

2009-02-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

There is a family in our are that is in need of many basic items to furnish a home. If you have some of these gently used items please consider donating them via Sister Freudendahl or Sister Jones. To arrange donation of larger items, please contact the Bishop.

Bunk beds
Single bed
Double bed
Sheets and bedding
Dryer
Pots/pans and other cooking items
Dishes/bowls/glasses/tableware
Clothes/shoes for 8-10 yr-old boy
School backpack
School supplies
Toys for boy or girl ages 2-10
Towels

Thank-you for your generosity!

Bed Needed

2009-02-07T13:30:00.000-08:00

A family in our area is in urgent need of a bed for one of their children. If you have a bed and matress you can donate to help a family in need, please contact Debbie Jones, Ann Fruedendahl or Bishop Bullock. The family could use a twin or full size bed and a bunk bed would be especially nice since they have a large family.

Thanks for your help.

Scouting for Food

2009-01-30T19:08:00.001-08:00

Don't forget that next Saturday is the Scouting for Food drive. Buy a few extra cans of food to share with those less fortunate when the Scouts come to call. Please be generous. There are so many in need right now.

Help for a Cancer Patient

2009-01-30T17:52:00.001-08:00

This post comes courtesy of Lara Law, who is trying to help a friend with a real need. Please read this touching story and help if you can.

There is a fundraiser for Tina Miller on Saturday, February 28th from 4-7pm at the Gilbert Historical Museum. We are still in need of volunteers to help BBQ hamburgers and hotdogs and we are still looking for donations for the silent auction. Below is all of the info about Tina and her story. Tina was diagnosed with Stage IV cervical cancer in April 2008. As a result of the severity of her condition as well as the pain that is associated with the extensive treatments she has been unable to maintain gainful employment. The cancer has spread to other organs in her body and she has to have kidney bags as a result of an abnormal opening in her bladder, which have to be redone every three months. It is possible that she will have to do this for the rest of her life.

After an eight-month break, the cancer has come back. Doctors have had to insert a picc line for her chemotherapy treatments, which is extremely expensive and requires an in-home visit from a nurse to properly bandage and flush.

Tina was recently denied AHCCCS, AZ’s Medicaid program and has no other insurance coverage. This has added an enormous amount of stress and fear that she will not be able to continue to afford the treatment that she needs. We are raising money to relieve some of the financial pressure so Tina can concentrate on conquering her disease and the long road ahead. Thank you for your generosity and making a difference in someone’s life! There is also a fund set up at Wells Fargo in the name of Tina Miller if anyone would like to contribute that way.

A Few Good Men Needed

2009-01-30T04:22:00.000-08:00

Megan and Rachelle Smith need a few men (3-4) to come to their home at 9 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, January 31) to help them move. If enough men show up, it should only take a couple of hours. Ladies, please encourage your husbands to come and help these sweet sisters. For more information, call Stefan Dobbe.

Service Update

2009-01-26T04:22:00.000-08:00

Host Families Needed
The BYU Performing Group, the Living Legends (formerly known as the Lamanite> Generation), will be visiting in the Mesa, Arizona area from February 2 through February 4 and we need host families to provide housing and transportation for two nights. If you can provide transportation to and from the Boulder Creek Stake Center (just south of Hawes Road and Guadalupe Road) and would like to host two or more students, please contact Aaron Stone at aaronmstone@gmail.com or (480-710-1599). Thank you.

Update on Baby Items
The family in need of baby items now has a crib, swing and high chair. They could still use baby clothes. Both babies on the way are girls, so pink is in. Call or email Debbie Jones if you have any items you can donate.

Bed Needed
The family in need of baby clothing is also in need of a bunk bed or twin bed for an older child who currently does not have a bed. If you have a twin or bunk bed you don't need any more, please call or email Debbie Jones. Thanks for all your help.

Update on Ann
Ann is healing and wants to thank all of the generous service and meals that have been given to her family. You are all wonderful.

Baby Items Needed

2009-01-21T20:02:00.001-08:00

There is an urgent need in the ward for baby clothing and other items, including a crib. Clothing for both sexes are needed, in all sizes from newborn to 12 months. If you can help with any donations of baby items, please email or call Debbie Jones.

Begin 2009 with Compassionate Service

2009-01-11T20:20:00.000-08:00

Volunteers need to deliver meals
Volunteers are needed to deliver lunchtime meals to the homebound, frail, elderly and disabled residents of Bilgert and Chandler served by Community Services of Arizona, Inc. This important service helps community members maintain their independence by providing a nutritious meal and wellness check. CSA's home delivered meal program provides more than 3,000 meals to the homebound per month, and more volunteers are needed because demand is increasing. Volunteers deliver meals between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. CSA provides and traing and mileage reimbursement. For information, call (480)503-6060.

Children's Books Needed
If you have some children's books that your children have outgrown or are no longer using, consider donating them to a children's book drive currently taking place to benefit the children at Sunshine Acres Children's Home in Mesa. If you have books to donate, please call or email Debbie Jones this week (Jan. 12 - 18).

Last Week for Eagle Scout Project
This is the last week for Robert Fuller's Eagle Project book drive. He is collecting books of all kinds that will be donated to the Arizona State Prison system for prisoner education and recreation. All books must be donated by this Saturday, January 17.

If you have some books you can donate, call Robert Fuller at 480-899-3524 or Hayden Trudeau (Catalina Ward) at 480-821-5123 to have donations picked up. Donations can also be dropped off at Robert's home (1002 E. Betsy Lane) or Hayden's home (891 So. 130th St.). If you have any questions, please call Robert at the number above or email him at rjfuller@cox.net. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks to all Secret Christmas Families
Thanks so much to all Secret Christmas Families who secret spread lots of good cheer throughout our ward this Christmas. Let's make this a ward Christmas tradition! If you have any suggestions for next time, please call or email Debbie Jones.

LDS Philanthropies

2008-12-29T12:33:00.000-08:00

http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/current-giving-opportunities/

This link will take you to a great website with lots of ideas for humanitarian service and giving. Check it out.

Service Ideas for the New Year

2008-12-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

The LDS Church Humanitarian Services (Homecraft) has numerous projects that you can pick up and take home to work on as a family (in just by yourself). What an awesome idea! Teach your family the importance of service by serving. Call Homecraft in Mesa at (480)835-5520 after January 5, 2009 to find out what projects they currently have that you can do in your home. Humanitarian Services Homecraft is located at 830 2nd Ave. in Mesa, not far from the Mesa Temple.

Also, as you clean up and put things away after Christmas, don't forget Robert Fuller's Eagle Project! He is collecting all kinds of books and magazines, DVDs and video tapes for the Arizona State Prison in Florence. Everything he collects will be used for inmates' educational and recreational use. Call Robert at (480)899-3524 or Hayden Trudeau at (480)821-5123 for pick-up of any items you can donate. Robert's email address is rjfuller@cox.net. Deadline for donations for this Eagle Scout project is January 17, 2009.

Thank you to all Secret Christmas Families

2008-12-29T12:04:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who participated in the Secret Christmas Family activity in our ward. This was a big success and many, many positive things were heard as we focused outward and sought to bring joy and love to others! Let's all strive to keep the spirit and joy of giving and serving with us into the new year.

Have a Meaningful Christmas

2008-12-16T15:57:00.001-08:00

http://ldslivingmagazine.com/articles/show/1806

Follow the link above for a wonderful article about truly making Christmas meaningful.

Merry Christmas.

Urgent Need for Warm Clothing -- Can You Help?

2008-12-15T15:20:00.001-08:00

A young family in Mesa with two little girls is in urgent need of warm clothing for the children, especially with the temperatures dropping. The oldest child, Samantha is five and wears size 6 pants and tops. She really needs a jacket and warm pajamas and school clothes. The youngest, Amanda, is 11 months old and wears size 18 month clothing. She also needs warm play clothes and sleep wear. Items need not be new, but should be in good condition with some wear left. Their father is a dairy worker and he could use some warm work shirts and jeans. His shirt size is large and pant size is 32x30. The need is immediate. The clothing will be delivered to this family Wednesday (12/17) afternoon, so if you have any good usuable left overs from your own family that you can help with, call or email Debbie Jones tonight or tomorrow. Thanks so much.

Its NOT too late...

2008-12-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, Christmas will be here in about a week and a half, but its not too late to experience the joy of giving and donate a toy to help a needy child at the Sunshine Acres Children' Home in Mesa. What a great Family Home Evening idea. Let your kids shop for a toy to donate to a child who is in great need. Call Debbie Jones for details. Donations are taking place through Mountain View High School in Mesa and December 18 is the deadline for toy donation. Merry Christmas.

Needed...Books

2008-12-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

If you have books that you have read and now want to recycle to someone else, consider donating them to Robert Fuller's Eagle Project.

The library at the Arizona State Prison System in Florence is in need of donated materials for inmates' educational and recreational use.

* New and used books accepted.
* All reading levels needed.
* Fiction and nonfiction.
* Novels, histories, textbooks, self-help and all other uplifting books.
* Magazines of all types.
* DVDs and videos.
* Bibles appreciated, but no denomination specific material.

If you have some books you can donate, call Robert Fuller at 480-899-3524 or Hayden Trudeau (Catalina Ward) at 480-821-5123 to have donations picked up. Donations can also be dropped off at Robert's home (1002 E. Betsy Lane) or Hayden's home (891 So. 130th St.). If you have any questions, please call Robert at the number above or email him at rjfuller@cox.net. Thanks for sharing.

The gifts that keep on giving...

2008-12-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

If you have anyone on your list who is really hard to buy for, consider the very cool gifts you can find at this website: http://www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com Help someone who is really in need and give a gift that will be remembered for years!

While you are at it, check out the ideas for a "green Christmas" at this website:

http://ldslivingmagazine.com/articles/show/1801

Helping others in need and cleaning up the earth...two gifts that keep on giving!

Toys for Tots

2008-12-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

Every year the U.S. Marine Corp sponsors Toys for Tots to help bring Christmas gifts to needy children. This year, there is a drop off point for these new, unwrapped toys at the Quick Trip at the corner of Gilbert and Warner (in front of Lowes). Toys should be donated by next weekend.

Help the elderly at Christmas

2008-12-08T19:33:00.001-08:00

Christmas isn't just for children. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is hosting Adopt-a-Senior this Christmas to help homebound senior citizens.

East senior created a shopping list; the lists have an average cost of $25. Volunteers can pick up a list and do the shopping for the senior citizen or donate money and the chamber will do the shopping. Donations must be received by Dec. 16

For information, call Sarah Watts at (480)892-0056, ext. 104 or email her at sarah@gilbertchamber.com.

Family Home Evening Idea

2008-12-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

I know it's too late to use this lesson this week...but you can have next week's lesson all ready is you use this great FHE lesson on Humanitarian Service. Check it out at:
http://www.ldslivingmagazine.com/categories/show/3

(These family home evening lessons that are emailed out from deseretbook.com every Monday are really good. They come with scriptures, stories and even treat recipes).

Christmas Sharing

2008-12-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

The Gilbert Police Department is accepting new, unwrapped toys which they will give to children in need this Christmastime. There is a donation box in the lobby of the Police Department on Civic Center Drive. Take your kids shopping this weekend and let them pick out a toy to give to a child who doesn't have as much. It is a great exercise in sharing to pick out something you would like yourself and then give it to someone else. If you need more information about this, the Gilbert Police non-emergency number is (480)503-6500.

A Christmas Thank You for the Troops

2008-12-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

At this Christmas season, let's not forget the service men and women in the Military. Being in a war zone at the holiday season has got to be tough. Christmas greetings from the states helps bring a little taste of home. You can send one or many cards to the address below and know that you have let a military member know you appreciate all that he or she is doing to keep us safe and free. All cards must be mailed by December 10.

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights , MD 20791-5456

Got White Shirts?

2008-12-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

The male members of the church in Africa are in dire need of white shirts to wear to church. Our ward has the opportunity to join with a ward in Mesa to donate any white shirts our husbands or sons may have out grown or don't need to our brothers in Africa. If your family has any unneeded white shirts, that are still in pretty good condition, call or email Debbie Jones or drop them off at her home. You can also bring the shirts to church on Sunday and Debbie will make sure they are sent on their way to Africa. Thanks for making a difference!

Taking care of our own

2008-12-03T04:19:00.000-08:00

With the economic crisis this Christmas, let's not forget that there are some in our own ward and neighborhood who need assistance. If your family can step forward to help, talk to Bishop Bullock or Sister Freudendahl. Let's all be willing to take care of our own.

Angel Tree

2008-12-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

A sister in the ward suggested another great family service activity for the holiday. The Salvation sponsors Christmas Angel Trees at malls throughout the valley. The tree is decorated with paper "Christmas Angels" on which are written Christmas requests from children who are in need. You simply select an "angel, " (or better yet, let the kids choose), purchase the item and return it to the giving tree where there are volunteers waiting to receive these gifts for these very special children. It is so easy and kids absolutely LOVE picking out toys for other kids. It really teaches them that Christmas is all about the giving. There is an Angel Tree at the San Tan Village shopping center right here in Gilbert. What a great Family Home Evening Activity!

Here is a link about the Christmas Angel Trees along with all locations.

http://phoenix.about.com/od/holidayevents/a/ChristmasAngel.htm

Merry Christmas!

Secret Christmas Families

2008-12-02T19:42:00.001-08:00

This is a project that my daughter's ward in Marana is doing. I thought it sounds kind of neat. If there is some interest, I would be happy to be a "Secret Family Facilitator". Leave a comment, or give me a call or email if you are interested. This is how it works in my daughter's ward. I am open to any suggestions or modifications to make it work here. :-D

This is a fun family activity and opportunity to teach your children that it REALLY IS so much more fun to give than to receive. Here are the Details:You are assigned 1 family. You will drop something (cookies, small gift, whatever you choose)3 times by January 1st. Simply drop the gift or item on the doorstep, ring the bell and run. -DON'T get Caught!:) Be sure to leave a card or indication that it is from "your secret family" (Don't forget to bring the kids along for the fun!!)Families will be randomly assigned from those that sign up. Size of family and location may vary...

Pass the word along, any who are interested may join in.

Blood Drive

2008-12-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

Be a hero. Save a life. Participate in the Gilbert Greenfield Stake blood drive this Saturday, December 6. Call Kelley Denham at (602)763-3029 to sign up for an appointment slot. For more information, check out www.BloodHero.com.