Collect ties and white shirts to send to the mission homes of 3rd World countries. Many of the native missionaries serving in those countries enter the mission field with only 1 or 2 white shirts and 1 tie. Additionally, the American missionaries frequently run out of ties as they give them away to newly baptized men who want to be dressed appropriately as they perform priesthood functions such as blessing/passing the sacrament. The ties are mailed to the Mission President for distribution.
A Counselor in the Bishopric removed his tie as he stood at the pulpit after making the announcement about the program. He wanted to set the example for their ward. This project could benefit missionaries throughout the world if enough interest were generated.
Make a tie "thermometer" to keep everyone aware of how many have been collected and keep the project in the ward members' minds.
Here's the "starter" list of missions in Third World countries for those of you interested in initiating the Tie Project in your own ward. If you've never mailed anything overseas, here are some tips that should help:
1. Ask your Post Office "small package rates" when you're ready to mail the ties. It's MUCH cheaper but has specific package dimensions and weight that must be followed.
2. Padded envelopes work great as they are lightweight and you can stuff lots of ties into one envelope.
3. When you mail the package(s) ask the postal worker for a customs form. On the form you should list the package contents as "used neckwear," and the value as $5.00.
4. If there isn't a Mission President's name listed for the missions on the list, just address the package to "Mission President."
5. Some missions suggest placing stickers of Jesus on the outside as a means of discouraging package tampering by foreign postal workers. As this method may actually hinder rather than help in certain countries, I'd suggest you simply tape both ends of the padded envelope really well with duct tape and omit the stickers.
I would definitely send a separate letter to the mission president telling him that you are sending a box of ties for distribution to needy elders and the newly baptized members of the church.
Note: Check out the Success at Girl's Camp with this project °Ü°
