Update: June 2020
Silvia is one of the people who were able to move from extreme poverty to becoming a successful entrepreneur hiring her own team of people to work with her because of the shoes collected in the USA. At the time of the 2010 earthquake, Silvia was living with her son, David, earning $2 a day. She was living in great poverty, once the quake struck, she and David lost every material possession they had at the time. After a couple weeks, Silvia’s friend asked her to help her sell shoes, which were essential to prevent disease, especially in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Silvia went to work, 7 days’ a week for 12 hour days, determined to find a path out of poverty for herself and her son. She also wanted David to get educated, which was a tall order in a country where poverty is systemic. However, it was with a focused determination that she was able to work hard, save and then start her own business.
Today, Silvia sells footwear that she purchases for pennies on the dollar from “Funds2Orgs”, the group that we have been supporting, for a fraction of the original cost but still at a profit. She has people working for her, and now earns $60 a day, in comparison to the $2 a day or less she was making before the 2010 earthquake. David was able to graduate high school, as opposed to going to work, and is now the first one in the family to attend college.
Our Shoes with Heart Drive Exceeds our Goal!
We were blessed with many drop off sites within our community. The power of the media through local newspapers, as well as strong effective radio announcements from Pastor Andrew helped our Shoe Drive grow. We consistently showed awareness and encouraged many followers to collect new and slightly worn shoes. I am so grateful for all the support that was received from the community as well as from our members. Words can’t describe the outpouring of help I have been granted. Hard to imagine by the time this article is released our Shoe Drive will have officially ended. We have exceeded all goals. The stories, the people I have met, all the outpouring of love through this amazing mission will be one beautiful memory that I will cherish and hold dear to my heart. Our shoes will make a difference in Haiti and other 3rd World Countries. Above is just 1 success story that shows you our Shoes with Heart was more than successful but will generate new life to many diseased, poverty stricken villages. In God’s name I give him all the Glory. He helped me see the light and encouraged me through each day of this miraculous journey to help others in great need.
May God’s spirit be created in us all. Thank You all for your kind donations and inspiration.
So now faith hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love 1Corinthians13:13
Update: April 2020
It seems like only yesterday we needed 2,000 pairs. So a BIG “Thank You” to all our members! Since the Shoe drive date has been extended until June 30th, we can keep collecting shoes! So PLEASE keep cleaning out those closets. We will be compensated extra $$$ if we exceed our goal of 2000 shoes collected. Thus, our Youth group will benefit even more.
Our goal is 300 bags with 25 pairs of gently worn shoes
If you are able to collect 1 bag of shoes which are 25 gently worn shoes that will help us get closer to our goal. The shoes will be used to create micro-enterprises in developing countries like Haiti. All shoes will be disinfected & refurbished if needed.
WE ARE NOT asking for money. Clean out your closet and ask for shoes from friends, family and neighbors.
One day someone is going to be walking in your shoes and you have changed a life with your generosity. We have two collection sites for your convenience, one outside the Church office and one across from the mailboxes.
Thank You!
