Our Humanitarian Aid Efforts

Church humanitarian work primarily helps those in need who are not members of the Church. There are many people in virtually any community in the world who struggle to meet their basic needs. The Church seeks to help as many as possible.

The Tokyo South Stake supports humanitarian efforts in Japan. We are working with local NPOs, schools, and families to make these projects possible.

A Message from Our Missionaries

Earthquakes. Tsunamis. Typhoons. 

Emergency response is only part of what the church is doing throughout the world to improve the lives of those in desperate need.

Japan is like all "economically blessed" countries. In the main, people appear to be doing well. But there are marginalized, lonely, forgotten people here, too. If you are aware of single parent associations in need of support; immigrant associations lacking the ability to help their people; or any situation where large numbers of people are in need, please let us know.  The information you provide will help us network, and reach more areas than we would be able to do on our own.

Elder and Sister Strong

Contact Elder Strong
Contact Sister Strong

Current Projects

We are always planning new projects, and this section will be updated with information as it becomes available, so make sure to check back regularly. If you are interested in participating and helping with these projects, please contact the Stake Public Affairs Director, April Cook.

Completed Projects

Members of the Tokyo South Stake have completed many humanitarian projects. If your ward or branch has been involved in a similar project, please let us know, so we can highlight the ways you are lighting the world through service.

Orphanage Graduate Care Packages

On March 9 2024, our youth once again gathered to prepare 23 care packages for orphans who would be graduating from their children’s homes and moving out on their own. They were joined by Brothers Mark L.Pace, Sunday School General President, and Brad Wilcox, 1st Councilor in Young Men General Presidency, who were visiting Tokyo.

The original post for the care packages can be found here.

Donation Drive (May 2023)

You Can Make a Difference!
In May of 2023, we held a donation drive to help Japanese families in need. Clothing, kitchenware, hygiene supplies, non-perishable foodstuffs and other items were collected.

Orphanage Library Program (Fall 2022)

Women’s Shelter Mother’s Day Gifts

Women at shelters arrive with their children often with only the clothing on their backs as they seek refuge from abuse and homelessness.  We wanted to help them know that they are loved and others are thinking of them. In May of 2022, the Tokyo 2nd Ward Relief Society prepared 60 gifts for women in 5 homes. They created Mother’s Day cards, assembled gift bags, and wrap the gifts.

Orphanage Children Birthday Boxes

In April of 2022 and as a follow-up to the Christmas Sports Equipment Project, we worked with London Sports to purchase needed athletic shoes for the children at those homes. Using the birthdates for each child, we created goody bags and birthday cards, prepared the boxed shoes with socks, and then wrapped the boxes.

Orphanage Graduate Care Packages: Food and Hygiene Supplies

When children graduate from a children’s home, they need basic supplies to help them start the next phase of their journey. Food and hygiene supplies were donated and purchased for this event, and youth from the Tokyo 1st Ward helped to prepare the packages. The event took place in March 2022 at the Temple Annex Building.

Women’s Shelter Welcome Kits

Women at shelters arrive with their children often with only the clothing on their backs as they seek refuge from abuse and homelessness.  

During their March 5th Relief Society Birthday celebration, Tokyo 1st Ward sisters assembled 24 welcome kits with needed hygiene supplies. These kits will be given to women when they arrive at the shelters. The event took place at the Temple Annex Building.

Christmas Sports Equipment

Service at its finest! In December of 2021, the elves at Santa’s workshop worked tirelessly for 2+ hours to make sure 400 kids from children’s homes and single family homes had an amazing Christmas. 400 goodie bags and Christmas cards packed; 12 massive boxes of donated and purchased sporting equipment wrapped; 22 birthday boxes made; 11 girls’ hygiene kits created; 50 snowman lollipops designed; 30 Christmas tree ornaments made;

This project came together through support from the community, volunteers, and the following sponsors: Youth Action Lab; Sports Zyuen/London Sports; Friends from the American Embassy; Cornerstone; Spalding; Macaron Laboratory; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The event took place at the Tokyo Temple Annex gymnasium.

Orphanage Library Project

This project occurred in stages throughout 2021. We had hoped to provide books and supplies to 2-3 homes. Instead, we created libraries in 5 homes! The project included the following: procuring book donations; sorting, organizing and mending books; purchasing book shelves, rugs, and library supplies; and finally, assembly of libraries at children’s homes.

We partnered with community organizations and volunteers, including: Cornerstone-ishizue, Macaron Laboratory, Nishimachi International School, Temple University, ASIJ ELC & Chofu, and local families.

We received a lot of positive feedback and gratitude for providing such an amazing space for families to work together on service.  

Orphan Graduate Care Kits (March/October 2021)

When children graduate from their children’s home, they need some basic supplies to help them start the next phase of their journey. Food and hygiene supplies were donated and purchased for this event. The youth of the Tokyo 1st and Tokyo 2nd Wards worked together with community youth volunteers to assemble boxes for delivery to grateful graduates. The event took place at the Tokyo Temple Annex gymnasium.