Young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Auckland donated some of their own toys today to the Auckland City Mission.
The children wrapped and labelled their toys so appropriate gifts can be given to different aged children from families who are doing it tough this Christmas season. In addition, they decorated a Christmas tree that will also be given to the Auckland City Mission.
The children, members of the Primary (children's Sunday School) organization of the Albany Ward (congregation), north of Auckland, were invited to go through their toy cupboards and book collections to find well-cared-for items that they could donate so other children could have a brighter Christmas.
Asked why she was taking part, nine-year-old Ella said she "wanted to help people who don't have very much, so they can play with some toys and have some fun."
Emma, 11, agreed. "There are children who won't get many presents, or maybe no presents, this Christmas," she said.
Albany Ward bishop (lay minister), Scott Giles, said the activity was aimed at giving the children the opportunity to serve others. "When we give," he said,"we think of the Saviour, and learn to be more like Him."
Heidi Dil, the leader of the congregation's Primary organization, said that with this particular activity there were deliberately no lollies and gifts for the children attending. "This was solely about helping others," she said.
"When we give to others, we're remembering Jesus Christ. When we sacrifice for others, even if it is a toy or a book, we're following Christ's example."
Latter-day Saints will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this season in the homes of its members and during worship services across the country. Next Friday (4 December), members of the Church will join with hundreds of others, of various Christian denominations, at an interfaith Christmas concert in Auckland's Town Hall.
