Reese Family

Monday we went on a field trip to SLC to see the Church's Welfare and Humanitarian Centers. It was a great trip, a lot of fun as you can see, but also very informative. The Church's Welfare system is one of the largest systems in the world and to see the center of the system was awesome.

They have a dairy which produces milk products and cheese. They also make a special milk product that is very high in protein which is sent to third world countries where it is saving the lives of children.

They also have a cannery where they produce the same items you would see in any grocery store. All these facilities are run with volunteer labor from Church members and anyone else who would like to help. Today they were making applesauce.

They have a bakery where they make bread. Can you smell the fresh bread? It was delightful to walk through here!

The Church owns and runs Desert Industries Stores. Used and new products are donated, then they are cleaned, repaired and ready for sale - just like a thrift store. These stores are also used for training people for employment.

Next we went to the Humanitarian Center. This was a highlight for us as this will be our mission assignment. These are some of the wheelchairs we will be distributing. These are made for rough use. It was found that normal chairs were wearing out and breaking apart where they were being used in countries where they do not have paved roads. (Cobblestone, rock, or dirt.) These are made with bike tires for easy repair. The one on the left is called the "Rough Rider" it is for really rough terrain.

Clothes that are not sold at the Desert Industries Stores are collected and sorted here. They are bundled up to be sent around the world where needed. It was amazing how much is sorted, bundled and shipped every day. Tons and tons!

These are the Humanitarian Kits that are assembled and sent where there are hygiene needs, mostly third world countries. These kits are assembled in many places by Church members and friends. Sister Reese remembers assembling these in Elk Grove.

Another highlight of the day was a visit to the Joseph Smith Building in downtown Salt Lake City. It is a beautifully restored building. We were treated to a very nice (fancy) lunch. This was the view out the window. What a beautiful day and a great view of Temple Square.