Mormon Helping Hands provide relief for Malaysian flood victims 

Unprecedented December rainstorms have brought devastating floods to northeast Malaysia, forcing  nearly 140,000 from their homes. When disaster strikes, basic human needs come into focus and must be met. With that in mind, over 100 members from the congregations in the Kuala Lumpur West District of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints filled the church building in Petaling Jaya on January 3, ready to provide service for the flood victims. With donations from LDS Charities, 1000 hygiene kits and 1000 "food kits" were assembled into a relief packet. The packet included food and hygiene supplies for a family of three to last for 48 hours. Volunteers included young adults, families with children, and senior citizens.

Puchong  volunteer Glenda Siew said she came to serve "because we want to help and we are having fun working together. Giving of yourself is a good thing". When other members of the congregations were asked why they had come to the event, the answer was a unanimous "We just want to help."  And help they did! In less than three hours, the kits were assembled, boxed and ready to load on a lorry (truck). Luisa Rama, President of the District's Women's Organization, the Relief Society, explained, " I feel good.  We cannot go to the flooded areas, yet this is a way we can provide some relief.  It feels good to all work together."

After the kits were assembled and boxed, a truck was loaded and sent to the Red Crescent Society (Red Cross) who will deliver the goods to the flood stricken area. The event was organized by LDS Charities Humanitarian Specialists, Sid and Linda Thatcher, under the direction of District President Paul Dass, who leads the six congregations located in Klang Valley.

The humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LDS Charities strives to provide immediate emergency assistance to victims of natural disasters, civil unrest, or famine. When local resources are strained or nonexistent, LDS Charities provides short-term, life-sustaining resources such as food, water, shelter, clothing, medical, school, and hygiene supplies. This response is accomplished in partnership with local relief organizations and sometimes with other major international organizations. Under the direction of local leadership, LDS Charities volunteers distribute supplies and participate in clean-up efforts to help disaster victims recover.

 Songs were sung , pictures were taken and happy church members returned to their homes, grateful for their own blessings and for the opportunity to serve those affected by the flooding.