Employees and senior missionary couples from the Pacific Area Administration Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Takapuna, Auckland are lending a hand in the community this week.
And in the process they are meeting some "wonderfully kind people who are helping individuals and families in need, every day," according to Paul Bennallack, one of the Latter-day Saint organisers of the week of service.
Around 100 office staff are supporting four local charitable organisations: Feed the Need, De Paul House, Auckland City Mission and the Salvation Army.
Mr Bennallack was one of 12 volunteers who spent the morning yesterday at Auckland City Mission, an organisation that supports thousands of people each year who are going through tough times.
The group sorted through donated clothing, identifying items that could be passed on to needy individuals and families.
"It was a wonderful experience being able to provide service to not only the Auckland City Mission but to those they assist in the community who are in need of clothing," Mr Bennallack said.
"It was gratifying to think that each piece of clothing would be provided to someone in the community in need."
He also noted the service of those who give of their time and energy on a daily basis at Auckland City Mission.
"What a privilege it was to work side by side with two of their workers, Jackie, who has worked there for 20 years, and Trish, 17 years. They were excited to know that we were willing to give up some of our time to help support them and the people they provide clothing for."
Richard Hunter, who lent a hand yesterday with another group at the Glenfield Salvation Army Foodbank, said, “I really enjoyed meeting the wonderful folks at the foodbank today. Their service is desperately needed by many individuals and families in our community who are doing it tough this winter."
"Our friends at the Salvation Army have a reputation for working together to bless those who need help the most, right now. I saw the love of God and love of neighbour up close today."
One of the coordinators of the week of service activities, Luisa Vaifale, said, "It was a humbling experience walking into the doors of Auckland City Mission for the first time."
"There was numberless stacks of food in boxes, clothing and furniture to be sorted all for the benefit of those who do not have what many of us take for granted at times."
She added, "I'm so grateful for these agencies and their employees, many of whom have worked there for many years, providing for those who are in need."
Ms Vaifale also expressed gratitude for the Latter-day Saint volunteers for being "willing and kind hearted."
The regular, day-to-day work of the Pacific Area Administration Office staff and volunteers is to support the humanitarian, welfare, self-reliance, education, construction and other efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea and the islands of the South Pacific.