MADISON – Many families realized that their situations were not being ignored when members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered food and volunteered in community outreach.

In its second year, the Light the World campaign inspired local church members to help others this past holiday season. Publicist Wendy Reynolds said that the LDS initiative is based on the scripture, “Ye are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)

“The purpose is to draw individuals and groups closer to Christ by serving as He served,” Reynolds said.

Adults and youth members of the Mormon church in the Madison area took this challenge to heart. “They found ways that they could light the world, from large-scale group efforts to individual acts of service,” Reynolds said. “The church youth organized a food drive right before Thanksgiving and delivered boxes of food to needy families.”

Members of all ages prepared Christmas fruit baskets to Madison residents. The youth and adults visited about 50 families on Dec. 20 to provide a cheerful Christmas visit and a fruit basket.

Twelve- and 13-year-old girls made blankets to donate to Project Linus, a local organization whose mission is to provide a sense of security and warmth to children who are ill or in need of comfort. Many members chose to serve as a family group or individually by taking cookies to a neighbor and volunteering at Manna House.

Another LDS member helped a neighbor load a moving truck. Several people helped sort thousands of potatoes at a ‘crop drop’ for the Society of St. Andrew.

Church leaders hoped that the campaign helped participants to have a more meaningful Christmas through simple acts of service.

Summarizing the season of service, Kuenn Drake, Madison Stake President, said, “Giving of one’s self is the true essence of the Christmas season. In so doing, young and old alike engender feelings that often cannot be expressed by words, though the memories will last a lifetime.”