Women from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints spent many hours on June 11 organizing and preparing gift baskets to donate to Ishtar Transition Housing Society.
Ishtar is a Langley-based organization devoted to ending the cycle of abuse in the home.
Once women are able to leave the transitional housing facilities, and establish a home of their own, they are given a laundry basket full of items needed to clean and maintain a home.
The Relief Society of the LDS church is one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the world.
As its name suggests, its purpose is to seek out and bring relief to those in need, whether that need be physical, spiritual or emotional. Its motto: “Charity never faileth,” is what inspires and motivates these women to reach out to those around them, said Jessica Jahn, the Relief Society’s activities co-ordinator.
When she learned more about Ishtar’s cause, Jahn was moved to do something supportive, and the Relief Society members were anxious to contribute.
The women’s activities on June 11 brought to an end months of gathering donations from the women each Sunday, bringing them home, keeping count of the items, and creating lists of what was still needed.
“From the very beginning, there has been a wonderful response, and each week bags of items were brought to church,” she said.
In the end, the women were able to gift wrap 12 laundry baskets, overflowing with essential household items valued at more than $100.
On June 13, the baskets were delivered to Ishtar offices in Langley, along with dozens of garbage bags full of clothing and accessories.
“My deepest desire is that the women who receive these gifts will be reminded that there are many in the community who love and care about them, and there is reason to hope for a better future,” Jahn said.