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| August 2010 eNewsletter www.samaritansfeet.org |
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Samaritan's Feet eNewsletter
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Keep current on breaking news! Join "Samaritan's Feet Shoe of Hope Ambassadors" by clicking  and follow our adventures across the globe at  ! |
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South Africa Trip Brings Love and Hope
Manny and Tracie present the children with their new uniforms! |
Manny and Tracie Ohonme led a memorable trip to Cape Town, South Africa earlier this month, where 1,300 children were blessed with a message of hope and a new pair of shoes. Although delayed a day due to inclement weather, the team -- which included IUPUI "Barefoot Coach" Ron Hunter and members of the Samaritan's Feet Youth Ambassadors -- hit the ground running upon touchdown in South Africa!
The team visited five primary schools and one community center in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Students at the Lorraine Park Primary School received an additional gift --the Youth Ambassadors provided the children with new uniforms sewn by South African seamstresses! Many of the children walk miles to school everyday and would often skip school because they did not have warm clothes to wear on their walk.
Among the sea of smiling children was a young girl named Nissi (pronounced 'Nee-See', pictured below) who is fighting brain cancer. As Manny tenderly washed her feet, prayed with her, and provided her with new shoes, Nicci experienced firsthand the powerful message that God loves and cares for her.
Please consider joining Samaritan's Feet on an international trip. Find out more by clicking TRIPS!
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Gloria Haynes Selected as Samaritan of the Month!
Gloria sharing love and shoes. |
First time volunteer Gloria Haynes did not let her recent knee replacement surgery hinder the excitement of participating in her first shoe distribution with Samaritan's Feet in Collinsville, Virginia.
Arriving at 7am and carrying a small wooden stool, Gloria helped Samaritan's Feet prepare for the distribution. As the children filed in, Gloria sat on her stool so that when she washed feet she could look straight across rather than down, at the child across from her. At 8pm that night, Gloria finally headed home.
"I wasn't sure what to expect but I prayed that each child I had in front of me would see that they were loved and were very special to me. I wanted to make a positive impact on their lives," Gloria explains. "There was one little boy who wasn't liking any part of having his feet washed even for new shoes and socks! He was very shy. We found the BEST pair of black swede tennis shoes in the world. I couldn't help but get excited when I saw his eyes brighten up. I asked if I could wash his feet so he could at least try the shoes on to see if they fit. We talked a little more and I earned his trust and friendship."
"I did get to wash his feet," Gloria continued. "He got his shoes and I was richly blessed with big bright eyes, a grin from ear to ear, and the best hug ever. It was a wonderful day. I had no idea that I would be the recipient of such glorious blessings and many hugs from these precious children." |
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Dr. Maya Angelou to serve
as Chairperson for Samaritan's Feet National Day of Service!
Dr. Angelou with Manny |
Celebrated poet and educator Dr. Maya Angelou will serve as chairperson for the Samaritan's Feet First Annual National Day of Service on January 17th, 2011.
In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, Samaritan's Feet will be holding simultaneous shoe distributions for those in need in dozens of cities across the country.
"Dr. Angelou has influenced millions throughout her rich life," said Manny Ohonme, Founder of Samaritan's Feet.
"Her decision to serve as the voice of our First Annual National Day of Service will inspire volunteers across the country to directly engage those in their community who are less fortunate. Her involvement in this historic event is a tremendous blessing."
To get involved with the National Day of Service, please contact us HERE! |
Tee-off with Samaritan's Feet!!
For those who love golf, October is a great time of year to enjoy 18 holes at the Samaritan's Feet Charity-Celebrity Golf Tournament during one of the most beautiful seasons in the Carolinas.
Even more essential, the 7th Annual Golf Outing on Monday, October 4th is an important fundraiser for Samaritan's Feet because it will provide the revenue necessary to meet our budget goals for the remainder of 2010, and allow us to provide new athletic shoes to children throughout the world!
Registration begins at 10am with tee-off at 12pm. Come hungry because a wonderful lunch and dinner will be catered by Red Rocks!
For more details and to sign up individually or as a team, please click GOLF OUTING! |
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Back-2-School Elkhart Event Impacts Thousands!
Over thirteen hundred children were blessed with new shoes at Back-2-School Elkhart on Saturday, August 14th in Elkhart, Indiana. The 2nd Annual Event united 67 nonprofit organizations and 350 community volunteers in an effort to prepare Elkhart's underprivileged children to succeed. The Back-2-School Elkhart creates a 'one stop' location for students to receive their back to school supplies, including backpacks, school clothes, immunizations, physicals, hair cuts, and new athletic shoes.
The City of Elkhart has suffered deeply in the current economy, with an unemployment rate of 18% . "The families in this region are looking for hope," remarked Joe Locke, Samaritan's Feet Director of Domestic Operations. "Time and again, the parents of shoe recipients told me that the Back-2-School Elkhart Event gave them hope that their life and circumstances will get better. When you see a 5 year old child jumping up and down in excitement because of their brand new shoes, you know you've made an impact."
Back-2-School Elkhart exceeded expectations with six thousand people in attendance. In addition to 1,300 children receiving a foot washing and new shoes, over four thousand students received new backpacks and thousands more received food bags and new school clothes. | | |
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