This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah's delegates to the Republican convention stuffed 1,000 relief packages for people affected by Hurricane Isaac on Monday, a service project that has become a tradition at the Republican convention.
They packed up another 400 bags with school supplies for low-income students in the Tampa, Fla., area.
"We really want to help those who are in danger's way and are in need," said Stan Lockhart, a former Utah Republican Party chairman. "I think these service projects highlight what the Republican Party is all about. Individuals should be involved in helping out whenever they can without the coercion of the government."
The Utah delegates — joined by members of the Arizona and Hawaii delegations — split into teams, racing to stuff the bags, filling all 1,000 of the relief packs with towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap in less than an hour, singing "God Bless America" and the Brigham Young University fight song while they worked.
The supplies were donated by Merit Medical.
"This is fun just to get together and enjoy each other's company," said Utah delegate Gordon Walker.
The relief packs will be given to LDS ward in the area and used for hurricane relief in the area.
Tropical Storm Isaac had threatened the Republican National Convention, prompting the cancellation of Monday's proceedings, but moved west toward New Orleans. The Tampa, Fla., area saw only moderate winds and steady rain overnight.