December 7th, 2024, members of Kingston Jamaica Stake and the Mandeville Jamaica District of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with volunteers from Food for the Poor, Jamaica Red Cross, Goshen Community Development Committee, The Salvation Army, and community members, participated in the Light the World Day of Service under the theme, “Be Someone’s Angel” across Jamaica. The Light the World initiative aims to demonstrate Christ's love through acts of service, emphasizing the importance of following His example to uplift and support others in our communities.
The campaign in Jamaica was launched through TV interviews with President Vaughn Pinnock and President Dwight Smith on CVM TV and President Vaughn Pinnock on Power 106. These interviews highlighted and promoted the Light the World initiative, highlighting its meaningful work and encouraging community participation.
This collaborative effort brought together over one hundred and fifty-seven (157) church members, forty-five (45) volunteers from partnering organizations, and forty (40) community members, including three (3) members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), to engage in various acts of service.
From painting and lawn care to personal care for residents, laundering bed linens, building wheelchair ramps, carpentry, providing essential services, and spreading holiday cheer, the day was filled with meaningful acts of kindness, including singing Christmas carols with the residents.
The day was filled with meaningful service and joy, leaving a lasting positive impact on everyone involved.
Highlights of the Day of Service at Mustard Seed Communities:
Mustard Seed Communities in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, on the Light the World Day of Service, benefited from volunteers painting the exterior of two of their buildings and cleaning up the yard, making the environment more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing for the residents. They were also gifted with an industrial stove, wall fans, and plastic eating utensils, benefiting the residents and improving their daily living conditions.
The Sir John Golding, Athlone Wing gifted residents personal care items and cleaned the facilities.
The volunteers also engaged with the residents by singing carols, spreading holiday cheer, and bringing joy to the community. The activities significantly impacted the residents, providing them with a more beautiful environment and essential items to improve their quality of life.
The project collaborated with various organizations, including church members, The Salvation Army, Jamaica Red Cross, Food for the Poor, and local community members, ensuring a broad reach and impactful service.
'Well, you know, this is a well thought out, timely, on-target project organized by LDS, and the Salvation Army is very grateful for the opportunity to partner with this agency and others in coming to the Mustard Seed Community and assisting those less fortunate. We realize this Light the World activity is happening simultaneously in several parishes, especially Jamaica. I'm happy that the Salvation Army also has volunteers and representatives at other locations who assist. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' vision in helping suffering humanity aligns with some of the Salvation Army's goals, and this is just a wonderful opportunity!' Sandra and Derek Mitchell (The Salvation Army).
'It's been wonderful so far, tiring. My hands are tied with the rollers, but it's a great thing that you guys are doing. Helping the children and the less fortunate is something that we, Food for the Poor ourselves, are committed to, and we've been here before. This is not something that we thought of doing, but maybe something different. But it's a wonderful thing that you guys are doing. We appreciate this.' Nordea Williams (Food for the Poor).
'It was an exciting experience, meeting different people with special needs and assisting them. Helping them to enjoy the Christmas Season better.' Kavelle Grant (Youth, Linstead Ward).
'To be honest, this is just a very wonderful experience. I've done other voluntary services, and being here to impact lives is a wonderful experience.' Peter-Ann Irving (The Jamaica Red Cross member).
'I've been with them for practically 18 years or more, and it's always a pleasure to go out and help. It gives us a good feeling when you go and do things to help the less fortunate.' Novelette Campbell (Executive Member of The Jamaica Red Cross).
The Light the World Day of Service at Goshen Primary School:
•Goshen Primary School: Members of the Santa Cruz Branch and volunteers painted classrooms and built three wheelchair ramps, making the school more accessible for students and staff.
•Personal Care for Residents: Older people and children received personal care items, including toiletries and clothing, to ensure their comfort and well-being.
•Community Engagement: The volunteers engaged with the community by singing carols and sharing a Christmas video, spreading holiday cheer and bringing joy to the residents.
•Collaboration with Local Organizations: The project collaborated with local organizations such as the Jamaica Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Goshen Community Development Committee, and community members, ensuring a broad reach and impactful service.
•Impact on the Community: The volunteers' efforts significantly impacted the community, providing essential services and creating a sense of unity and support.
The day was filled with meaningful service and joy, leaving a lasting positive impact on the residents of the Goshen community.
The Westmoreland Infirmary during the Light the World Day of Service:
•Personal Interaction: Members of the Savanna-la-mar Branch and volunteers spent time with the residents, offering companionship and spreading holiday cheer through conversations and activities.
•Donations: The infirmary received a washing machine and a soup pot, which will help improve the facilities and provide better care for the residents.
•Volunteer Efforts: Volunteers engaged in various tasks, including preparing and serving residents' meals, cleaning and organizing the facility, and laundering the residents' clothing and bed linen, ensuring a more pleasant and hygienic environment for the residents.
•Community Support: Volunteers from various organizations, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Food for the Poor, and the Jamaica Red Cross, participated in this event, which showcased the power of community collaboration in providing essential services and support.
The day was filled with meaningful service and joy, leaving a lasting positive impact on the residents and staff of the Westmoreland Infirmary.
The Caribbean School for the Deaf during the Light the World Day of Service:
•Solar Panel Stand Construction: Members of the Montego Bay Branch and volunteers worked together to build a new solar panel stand. This will provide sustainable energy to the school, enhance its facilities, and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
•Lawn Maintenance: Volunteers cut and raked the lawn, ensuring the school grounds were well-maintained and creating a safer, cleaner environment for the students and staff.
The activities at the Caribbean School for the Deaf improved the school's infrastructure and promoted environmental awareness and sustainability. The volunteers' efforts significantly impacted the school, providing it with resources that will benefit it for years.
The Clarendon Infirmary during the Light of the World Day of Service:
•Personal Grooming: Members of the May Pen Branch and volunteers provided personal care to 105 residents by cutting and combing their hair, trimming the males, and clipping their nails. This enhanced the residents' dignity and self-esteem.
•Donations: Collected donations from church members were handed out to the residents, including personal care items such as toiletries and clothing.
•Carolling and Lunch: Volunteers spread holiday cheer by performing carols for the residents, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere.
The collaborative efforts of the volunteers, including the participation of three members of the Jamaica Defence Force, significantly improved the living conditions and well-being of the residents. The day was filled with meaningful service, companionship, and holiday spirit, showcasing the power of community and collective action.
The day was marked at Chevely Basic School in Mandeville by a series of impactful activities to improve the school's environment and infrastructure.
Activities Performed:
•Facility Cleaning: Members of the Hopeton Branch and volunteers thoroughly cleaned the school, ensuring a spotless and hygienic environment for the students and staff.
•Roof Repairs: Teams worked on repairing roof sections, addressing any leaks or damage to ensure the building's integrity and safety.
•Door and Light Fixture Repairs: Volunteers repaired and maintained doors and light fixtures, ensuring they adequately worked to provide a safe and well-lit environment for the children.
•Classroom Improvements: Volunteers painted classrooms and organized learning materials, creating a more conducive student environment.
•Grounds Maintenance: The school grounds received a thorough clean-up, including trimming trees and tidying up the area, creating a more welcoming and pleasant outdoor space for the students.
The efforts at Chevely Basic School improved the physical infrastructure and created a more positive and uplifting atmosphere for the children and staff.
Mandeville Ebenezer Rehabilitation Center: Day of Service Activities.
Members of the Mandeville Branch dedicated their time and efforts to improving the Mandeville Ebenezer Rehabilitation Center. A series of impactful activities marked the day to enhance the center’s environment and infrastructure.
Activities Performed:
•Landscaping Maintenance: Volunteers undertook extensive landscaping maintenance on the infirmary grounds, including cutting grass, trimming bushes, and clearing debris. This effort ensured that the outdoor areas were clean, safe, and welcoming for the residents and staff.
•Garden Enhancement: Besides essential maintenance, volunteers enhanced the garden areas to create a more pleasant and therapeutic environment for the residents.
•Community Engagement: Volunteers interacted with the residents, offering companionship and spreading holiday cheer through meaningful conversations and activities.
The efforts at Mandeville Ebenezer Rehabilitation Center improved the physical appearance of the grounds and created a more positive and uplifting atmosphere for the residents.