Akron Ohio Stake News

submitted by Sister Tracy Johnson

In December 2020, Stacy Tyhurst came up with the idea to have a Medina Ward Drive-Thru. The Relief Society had three goals for the day.

1. The Relief Society presidency wanted to distribute a Christmas gift to every sister in the Medina Ward. We requested that sisters pick up their gift at the church on Sunday, December 6, between 1 and 3 p.m. We also asked that ministering sisters pick up gifts for the sisters they ministered to and either deliver or mail gifts to them. 
2. We were also collecting gift cards to put together a gift for our missionaries and members of the ward who might benefit. Members of the ward so generously donated gift cards, cash, and items they purchased. We were able to give our sister missionaries a special Christmas gift and mail gift cards to many members.
3. Bishop King encouraged us to make sure every member had access to the 2021 Come Follow Me manual, either online or the actual book. We asked members to pick up the manual for themselves and also encouraged members to take the opportunity to connect with those they ministered to by delivering a Come Follow Me manual. About 60 manuals were handed out that day. 

When Shawnie Huffaker, the Young Women’s president, heard about our drive-thru plan, she also wanted to join. She had planned the Virtual Ward Christmas party and was able to distribute invitations, the ingredients for a treat families could make, and special gift bags for the youth and primary children. 

Working together, we accomplished much in only two hours. Items that were not picked up that day were delivered to member homes by the Relief Society and Young Women’s presidencies. No one person had to bear the burden of delivering everything. 

The best part was seeing each other face to face, although we still missed hugging and seeing smiles. 

Members picking up stayed in their cars, and we brought the items to them. We wore our masks and enjoyed being outdoors, even in the cold weather, with a little bit of snow.