Good advice for hard times

On Sept. 27, between 200 and 300 women from the  nine congregations  of the Independence Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered for dinner and a special satellite broadcast from Church  headquarters in Salt Lake City at the Independence Stake Center, 937 W. Walnut Ave.
Priesthood  leaders from the individual congregations served dinner to the women, who enjoyed the switch-around immensely.
“Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without” was the evening’s theme. This adage was chosen as the focus of efforts to help families in these nine congregations  to better manage their resources in these challenging economic times. Following the dinner, the women explored displays including:
■ Tracking every penny spent for a month to build a record upon which a budget can be developed.
■ Cooking from scratch.
■ Having a garden.
■ Repairing things yourself.
■ Making clothing go the second mile.
Among the displays, a young woman came up with the idea of “making do” by taking a pair of old jeans, making a few modifications, and presto! A shoe-rack! Another created a new T-shirt from several old ones.
Of special interest were several tables of clothing exchange items. Sisters brought clean, usable clothing to display. Anyone could take whatever items they needed. It definitely was “using it up and making it do.”
In the way of service projects, a table with Thank You Notes and pens provided attendees with the opportunity to write their gratitude to those serving in the armed forces; another displayed crocheted bandages from wool yarn to be given to agencies needing such; another exhibited cuddly blankets for children in special circumstances such as being in a disaster shelter.
Following the sharing of the “Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without” ideas and displays, the women retired to the chapel to be watch the worldwide Relief Society General Conference.