August 4th, 2025, 5am MDT
The brightly colored crayons danced across the paper as the main children from the Calgary-Alberta stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, writing words of encouragement in a small notebook. In the same room, others carefully packed pencils, notebooks and hygiene items into their backpacks, helping local young people and families in need.
On June 28, dozens of key children in Calgary, Alberta joined talent, abilities and hearts for a service project aimed at meeting the needs of other children in the community, according to a report on the Church’s Canadian newsroom.
This year, the major presidency has announced major service initiatives, encouraging branches, wards and stakes around the world to help children “recognize that they are an important part of the church and can contribute in a meaningful way, and to feel the joy of sharing the Savior’s love with others.”
“We look forward to the way children around the world make a difference in their communities and share the joys that the gospel brings,” a statement from the leading presidency said.
Considering the way their primary children serve, the main thing in the Calgary Stakes recognized that children help and care for other children in their own community through Hull Services.
“We want our children to be deeply cared for, not just for those in our faith, but for other people in our community who are facing real challenges,” said Eva Gonzalez, Primary Stake Stake President, Calgary Alberta. “Hul Service cares for some of Calgary’s most vulnerable children.”
For service activities, the children assembled 480 hygiene kits and 504 sets of school supplies. It was primarily provided by the humanitarian services of the Church. School supplies were then placed in 75 new backpacks donated by local church members. The young volunteer also made colorful and encouragement notes to send the pack.
Sheldon Smith of Hull Services Communications Specialist expresses appreciation for the support of community members, such as the Church of Jesus Christ, Latter-day Saints, saying that such contributions often feel cared and supported by children arriving “with little or no belongings.”
“Donations like backpacks and hygiene kits help a lot and provide many of the items we often think are commonplace,” Smith said.
The main children, Lucy Tingle and Genevieve Smith, were among those who added a personal touch to kits and backpacks with handwritten notes and hilarious decorations.
“It makes me feel like I’m doing what Jesus Christ does,” Genevieve said.
In a Church News interview with a major presidency earlier this year, second counselor Sister Tracy Y. Browning said helping children recognize, plan and participate in these opportunities was “a wonderful experience of serving in becoming like Jesus Christ.”
First counselor Sister Amy A. Wright said, “Children tend to see the world through the eyes of our Savior, Jesus Christ. They will love him as he loves, forgive him when he forgives, and try to serve him every day as he serves.”
President Susan H. Porter said: “We are based on their natural, God-given kindness,” he added that these opportunities will help us expand our vision in our community, advise, serve others and become leaders.
In a Canadian Newsroom release, the major service events of their stake were described as a powerful example of children celebrating their community while helping children and learning to empathize together.
