A holiday season storm walloped much of the Mountain West — dumping record December snowfall and knocking out electricity in thousands of homes. For many Church members, the storm offered service opportunities while doubling as a reminder of the importance of family preparedness.

Photo by Michael Brandy

A Salt Lake City resident digs out car after a major snow storm dumped up to four feet of snow on northern Utah. Thousands were left without heat. Neighbors helped each other shovel driveways and provided housing and food to those in need.

Snow, ice and power outages also prompted the cancelation of Sunday services Dec. 28 for many Utah wards and branches.

"A number of units did not hold meetings," said Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Seventy and president of the Utah Salt Lake City Area. Priesthood leaders from such units encouraged members to spend the Sabbath with their families.

Elder Rasband said the unreported efforts of many Church member who helped out within their own wards, branches and neighborhoods "have been fantastic." Scores of members have helped shovel out driveways, invited neighbors without power into their homes and delivered meals to folks impacted by the storm.

The Church has also worked closely with local civic leaders and emergency response organizations such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army, responding to general community needs. Generators from the Bishop's Central Storehouse, for example, were provided to Taylorsville neighborhoods in Salt Lake County where electricity was out for a prolonged period.

The Church also supported the Red Cross shelter in Salt Lake City; providing blankets, hygiene kits, diapers, baby formula and other provisions. Similar contributions were made to a National Guard armory being used as a shelter in Fillmore, Utah. Some 50 blankets were also provided to a nursing home in the Millcreek area of Salt Lake County, while food from the Bishops' Storehouse at Welfare Square was prepared by local members and delivered to residents of a large apartment complex that was without power for several days.

Elder Rasband said the storm has served as a powerful example of the importance of heeding the counsel of Church leaders to be physically and spiritually prepared. Over the past year, general and local priesthood leaders have used the Saturday evening sessions of stake conferences to emphasize the importance of family and personal preparedness.

E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com