The Book of Mormon prophet Alma taught his son that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6). Across the world, members of the Church of Jesus Christ desire to touch lives and lift their fellow men. In small and simple ways, they follow the example of Jesus Christ in their inspired efforts to "lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees" (D&C 81:5). Their individual contributions may be modest, but the cumulative effect of these donations of time, resources, and compassion touches millions of people in hundreds of countries.
In 2004, Church members donated more than 500,000 days of labor in assisting the less fortunate. Since 1985, the Church has donated $134 million in cash and $601 million in goods (including food, medical supplies, clothing, and blankets) as a result of the generosity of Church members and others.
The Church welcomes your desire to help. The following information will help you see where you may make a contribution. Because your time and resources are valuable, please consult the Humanitarian Center's list of current needs so that you may direct your service to areas where your help is most urgently needed.
You may also want to view the most frequently asked questions.
- Donate to the Humanitarian Aid Fund. This fund was established by the Church as a means of collecting donations from individuals and organizations to respond to disasters, provide wheelchairs, vaccinate children against measles, provide clean water systems to needy communities, and fund many other worthwhile activities.
- Donate items. Clothing, household items, and new medical supplies may be donated to your local Deseret Industries store. These items are shipped worldwide as needs arise.
- Make humanitarian aid kits. You may participate in a project to prepare humanitarian aid kits for specific needs. These kits are distributed to individuals or families affected by a disaster. Kits have been developed for personal hygiene, newborn care, and school children.
- Serve as a missionary or short-term specialist. If you are a member of the Church, consider volunteering as a missionary or short-term specialist. If you wish to serve as a missionary, the first step is to visit with your bishop or branch president.
- Serve in your local community. There are opportunities to serve all around us. Kindness begins at home; your efforts to bless others will lift family members, neighbors, and individuals in the community. We have a number of suggestions for worthwhile community service.
