Knox County Rotary Club Helped Collect More Than 43,000 Pairs of New Shoes for Vulnerable Children
Shoes were packed and shipped to nonprofit Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls® for distribution in countries like Guatemala and Dominican Republic.
Submitted by Larry Lunsford
Edina, Mo. – The Knox County Rotary Club joined Rotary Clubs across Missouri in collecting more than 43,000 pairs of new shoes, over 14,000 pairs of socks, and more than $56,000 for vulnerable children served by Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls®.
Rotarians across Missouri gathered April 19-21 at Lake of the Ozarks and celebrated their efforts during a statewide conference. Since 2001, Missouri Rotarians have donated more than 438,000 new pairs of shoes and more than $322,000 to Shoes for Orphan Souls.
“We are so grateful for the way our community came together to help children in need through the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls® program,” said Echo Menges, Knox County Rotary Club Shoes for Orphan Souls Committee member. “Our annual drive would not be possible without the support of our local businesses, churches, retailers, and civic groups. It’s the generosity and love of Knox County residents that bring hope to thousands of kids each year.”
“Many Americans take shoes for granted, but for many children around the world, they are a luxury. Shoes protect feet from diseases such as hookworm, which can lead to physical and cognitive development issues, and provide children with an opportunity to attend school,” said Shawn Spurrier, director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls.
The shoes collected during the drive will provide hope for children living in orphanages and impoverished communities where Buckner International offers a variety of services. Through foster care, empowerment programs, transitional care and humanitarian aid, Buckner International supports children and families in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Mexico and Peru.
“Thank you to the Rotary Club and everyone in the community who helped meet our collection goals. Whether you are an individual who donated one or two pairs or a company that donated dozens, you have truly made a difference in a child’s life,” said Spurrier.
