It's What We Give

This past week we participated in a service project called the “Wallace Toronto Project”. It is named after a beloved mission president who served back in the 1930-1950’s. 

On September 8, 2018, over 120 volunteers came together from many countries to give service. The selected location this year was Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia.

The large group of volunteers arrived in Bratislava and were divided into three groups. They offered services at an elder care facility, a children’s orphanage, and an elementary school for special needs children.

There were about forty who volunteered hours at the elder care facility including us. The director kept the group busy raking leaves, gardening, pulling weeds, shoveling dirt, sweeping sidewalks, mowing lawns, washing windows, painting walls, and moving heavy cabinets. The staff at these organizations were so thankful for all the help by volunteers.

The missionaries sang during lunch for the residents at the center. 

Each year new organizations are sought out to be recipients for a day of service. Everyone had a great time working together and seeing old friends. It was a joy to watch everyone cooperate and pitch in where needed.

Volunteers included members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, staff members, missionaries, and past missionaries who traveled from the United States to participate in a day of service.

The event ended with a gathering to visit, eat, and discuss the current and past projects.

Amazing what can occur when many hands pull together to serve others. 

President George Albert Smith once said, "It is not what we receive that enriches our lives, it is what we give."