LK
Linda Kinikini
Dec 1, 2025
I currently serve as a newly-minted RS Pres for a brand new Branch established this past Sept. Went to the Bishop’s Storehouse to fulfill a group order to help branch members with their Thanksgiving. We had quite a few to fill— 11 total— just 2 days before Thanksgiving.
The sister at the desk told us that they just got a new policy change in about “group orders”. She wasn’t completely clear about what the new policy was about, other than individual branch members would need to come in and get their orders, rather than “group orders” being filled. Our branch members live from Payson to Nephi and we knew this would be difficult for them to get to Lindon with such short notice so close to Thanksgiving. My secretary and I explained that we were new to the whole process and weren’t aware of the new change. The Bishop Storehouse secretary said she would have to check with the Storehouse Manager. In the meantime, we could get started on the orders we had, which could only be filled one at a time. According to the secretary, it seemed that when the Storehouse gets busy, service missionaries who are filling group orders would be unavailable to help fill the orders of individuals who are there for their own orders. We understood this and were grateful for whatever help we could get. Our orders were not big so we felt we could get through them quickly.
While we were filling our second order, a gentleman approached us (whom I assume was the Manager) and reiterated the new policy change. We again told him we were new and unaware of the change. He told us to check with our Bishop/Branch President about the letter that was sent to them about this new change, and that in the future Branch/Ward funds should be used to purchase foods from the grocery store to help members of our unit. (That seemed unusual especially when our branch has a *very small* budget 🤦🏽♀️). I acknowledged what he said and he allowed us to continue with our food orders.
When I went to the Storehouse secretary for our 4th order, a sister who was sitting nearby saw that our order was a “group order”. She too began to lay into us about this new change. The Storehouse secretary told her they were aware and would implement the new change after we filled our order. This sister appeared disgruntled and said the policy should be implemented immediately and said she would go talk to the Manager personally. The sister who was helping us fill our orders seemed confused. What was the harm?
Sure enough, when we returned to the desk to fill our 5th (out of 11) orders, we were turned away. Behind the desk, there were at least 8-10 service missionaries sitting there doing nothing, talking among themselves. The Storehouse busy-ness had slowed but no one was willing to help us. I was sorely disappointed.
Although I appreciate the need for order and compliance, I also recognize there is room for discernment. If one is to err, perhaps they should err on the side of compassion and service, less we become guilty of being like the Pharisees and Sadducees, totally missing the mark.
We took our remaining orders to the Springville Storehouse (in spite of certain Lindon Storehouse staff telling us that Springville would not fill our order). At the Springville Storehouse, we explained our dilemma and without batting an eye, the Springville Storehouse staff and service missionaries took all our orders and filled them happily. And they were busy!! I apologized for adding to their chaotic day, but the response we got from them was simply, “We are here to serve”! God Bless Them!!
Needless to say, we were able to minister to our branch members just days/hours before Thanksgiving, and they were grateful for the small addition to their meal. We are grateful for those who oversee and serve in these Storehouses, and recognize the great amount of time and effort that is given to serve there. I share this not as a complaint but perhaps to bring some awareness. Just think this could have been handled better. After all, we are all on the Lord’s errand.