Wow. We can’t begin to explain the growth and impact we’ve experienced this year. This was a historic year for the organization.
We purchased and moved into a 74,135 square foot building that serves as our new worldwide headquarters. This move marks the start of Samaritan’s Feet 2.0, allowing us to increase our capacity to serve. This new facility includes an expanded warehouse, an incredible volunteer area, co-working and meeting spaces available to the public, and an experiential space where anyone can learn and see the difference a pair of shoes make in someone’s life.
Another first for the organization this year was our time “counting to zero” in two communities when every child in Perry County, Tennessee and every person in Agbetikpo Village, Ghana received a new pair of shoes.
Also, the organization has grown through the addition of two new programs, Samaritan’s Feet Seniors and Shoes Lockers, which you can learn more about in the pages of this magazine.
Our audacious goal for 2021 was to serve 1 million people to get us closer to our original goal of serving 10 million people. We are proud to say that we have now served a total of over 8.5 million people since our founding in 2003, getting us ever-so-close to that original goal.
None of this would be possible without you—our volunteers, donors, partners, and team.
So, we thank you for your continued partnership and support this year. We hope that the stories and photographs throughout these pages serve as a reminder that your generosity is making a difference in lives around the world.
Thank you for joining us,
TEAMING UP WITH THE POLICE FOUNDATION TO SERVE IN THE STREETS OF D.C. THERE’S GOODNESS ALL AROUND
“If you had anything to do with this, thank you.”
67-year-old John took just a few seconds to pause from his dancing in the streets of downtown Washington D.C. to share his thoughts with the Samaritan’s Feet team. He added, “I’m enjoying this immensely.”
Just moments before, John had received a new pair of shoes, food items, a sleeping bag, and toiletries from Washington D.C. Police Foundation volunteers. The police blocked off the street in front of the Federal City Homeless Shelter on 2nd Street, just a half-mile away from the Capitol building. Music filled the small street as a DJ aired “go-go” hits, a music subgenre originating in Washington D.C. in the 1960s and 1970s.
Many couldn’t help moving to the music after they received their shoes and gave thanks to the volunteers cheering them on.
“Thank you, we appreciate it. I hope to see things like this continue—the music and everything. It’s hard out here, but this is fun. You have no idea what this means to me. I just want to enjoy the day out here. It’s just so good to see everyone come out here together, especially after Covid and all that,” said a recipient, Daniel.
Another man said, “the day has been great so far.” And a woman in a wheelchair added, “I’ll boogie till it hurts.”
Around 100 people lined up outside the shelter, and the crowd continued to trickle in as over 200 were served that day, just blocks from the U.S. Capitol.
“Many people here have shoes that don’t fit, some folks don’t have shoes at all, so just knowing that there are people out here who are compassionate, who want to do something nice for them, really gives them that feeling of happiness—that other people are looking out for them,” said Patrick Burke, Executive Director, Washington D.C. Police Foundation.
At one point during the event, a woman wasn’t sure of her correct shoe size. A volunteer quickly began helping her, measuring her foot so that she would have the proper size and be comfortable and proud in her new shoes.
“When anyone is taking time out of their day to be kind and to support and serve, it just makes everybody’s day a little bit brighter,” said Rebecca Schwartz, Director of Development and Operations, Washington D.C. Police Foundation.
This event was one of two that were collaborations between the D.C. Police Foundation, D.C. Police Department, Samaritan’s Feet, Walmart, Bombas, and Colgate-Palmolive. The other event was just across
the Anacostia River at Martha’s Table, an organization that supports Washingtonians with access to needed resources like food and clothing.
Music filled the air once again, creating contagious smiles and giggles from everyone around. It wasn’t long before an upbeat song played with the lyrics “dancing on your happy feet.”
And dance, they did!
Officers and Cadets from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of the District of Columbia, were serving at this event and formed a double line for recipients and guests to dance through, encouraging kids to show off their moves as they boogied on through.
Two brothers, kindergarten and 2nd grade, danced with no hesitation, teaching others their skills. Their grandmother, who brought the two young superhero fans, stood at the edge of the dance floor (A.K.A. parking lot), smiling and clapping them on. The younger brother later revealed he wanted to be a police officer.
“Serving today meant a lot to me because you never know what somebody might be thinking. Little kids might see you and say, ‘I want to do that too.’ And hopefully that can inspire them to also inspire their children,” said Jemel Thomas, Washington Police Cadet. “You just never know, small things can go far.”
One volunteer recalled a moment where they gave a simple bottle of water to a child. A few minutes later, the child came back and thanked her with a hug. There was a clear feeling of generosity and kindness in the air in Washington D.C.
“There is goodness all around that we don’t see all the time,” said Schwartz.
Towards the end of the event, a family of five arrived in a taxi to pick up their new shoes. They came eagerly and excitedly, despite the rainstorm that snuck up and the commute they had to make. Everyone left with smiles.
These events cultivated an atmosphere of normalcy, of simple joy, where goodness was not only seen, but experienced.
“[Doing good] is really at the heart of police work. Instead of looking at it as a police force, it’s a police service. Serving the public. Treating others as you would like to be treated. There are still so many good things that are done on a daily basis and this event illustrates the efforts that are being done day in and day out,” said Burke.
The population of people over the age 60 is projected to more than double, reaching an estimated population of 2.1 billion people over the age of 60 by 2050 (United Nations, 2017).
This demographic shift brings an abundance of opportunities, but it also creates pressing challenges, especially in those with economic insecurity. These critical challenges include health care, fall prevention, and increased mobility while making independent living a reality for more Seniors.
To better address this demographic, and the challenges such as fall prevention and increased mobility, Samaritan’s Feet launched Samaritan’s Feet Seniors. The mission of this newly established program is to serve and inspire hope and dignity in our aging population by providing shoes as the foundation to a spiritual and healthy life.
Lack of proper footwear can have a negative impact on a Senior’s health and wellbeing, ability to live independently, community involvement, and economic stability.
Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the United States, making falls the leading cause of injury and death amongst Seniors (CDC, 2020).
This issue is close to the heart of Deborah CoxRoush, Samaritan’s Feet Seniors Program Manager. “This has become personal for me because in May of 2021, my father fell and did not survive the trauma of the fall. Over 36 million adults fall each year, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths,” said Cox-Roush.
In response to that staggering statistic, the Seniors program will give older adults a pair of anti-slip, lightweight shoes, while also giving them dignity and hope. This specially designed shoe for Seniors will help provide protection from falls, thereby increasing mobility and independence. The stable foundation of the Senior shoe will protect Seniors’ feet, decrease the possibility of getting foot-borne diseases, and propel them towards a more comfortable, happy life.
The American Podiatric Medical Association states that by the time an American reaches the age of 50, he or she has already walked a total of 75,000 miles, on average. Proper foot care for Seniors is vital; it can help prevent future injury and protect health.
The Seniors program not only serves Seniors, but also encourages them to volunteer. “Older adults are an under-used resource. Our gains in longevity have given Seniors a whole new phase of life, but in many cases, we are not necessarily utilizing the time, skills, and abilities of many of our nation’s older people,” said Cox-Roush.
Around 66% of Seniors who volunteered reported a decrease in feelings of isolation, and 67% of those who first reported they “often” lack companionship stated that they had improved social connections through volunteering (Senior Corps, 2017).
“We tend, as we get older, to be told that we don’t have a purpose. But when we choose to go and serve, then we are reminded that it doesn’t matter how old you are…that you’re always young at heart.
If you feel like the world has forgotten who you are, just walk out and serve and you’ll realize that you are here for a purpose,” said Mary Becknell, Samaritan’s Feet mission team member and Senior.
Are you ready to help Samaritan’s Feet serve Seniors and provide them with shoes which will make a significant impact in their daily lives?
Here are a few ways that you, your family, friends, and/or company can get involved:
• Become a member of the Sole Society by donating monthly to the mission.
• Sponsor a Senior Shoe Locker which provides shoes immediately to Seniors in need.
• Fund a Senior Shoes of Hope Shoe Distribution in your community, senior center, or other locations where Seniors have access.
• Write Hope Notes of encouragement to Seniors receiving shoes.
• Give your time by volunteering in the warehouse or any of the distributions held across the country.
JOIN US IN OUR MISSION—SENIORS NEED US MORE THAN EVER.
The vision of Samaritan’s Feet is a world with zero shoeless people. In September, the organization worked towards that goal by “counting to zero” in two different communities: Perry County, Tennessee and then just a week later, 5,856 miles away, in Agbetikpo Village, Ghana.
Both distributions were historic as people in two entire communities received a pair of new shoes. Although the days looked different in Tennessee and Ghana, both were filled with warm welcomes, joyful expressions, and above all, hope.
Experience the days we counted to zero in Tennessee and Ghana:
Beautiful green fields on rolling hills surrounded the 30-mile drive along Interstate 40 to get to Perry County, Tennessee. Nestled beside the Tennessee River, Perry County is considered a “distressed county.” By definition, it ranks among the 10% most economically distressed counties in the United States, based on their three-year average unemployment rate, per capita market income, and poverty rate.
“After talking to the Perry County mayor, he shared with us that a lot of what they focus on in their community are issues around children and families. So we thought the shoe distribution in that county would be a perfect fit so that families could send their children back to school with a new pair of shoes,” said Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee.
Thanks to the generosity of First Lady Lee and her initiative, Tennessee Serves, every student at the four schools (one high school, one middle school, and two elementary schools) in Perry County would receive a new pair of shoes. The exciting day would begin at Perry County High School with a celebration of those students.
High schoolers, middle schoolers, and faculty filed into the gym, proudly adorned with black and gold banners of championships past. Seated on the bleachers, they listened intently as First Lady Lee and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee warmly welcomed the students to the special event and emphasized the importance and impact of service and showing kindness to others. They then introduced Manny Ohonme, Co-Founder of Samaritan’s Feet, to share his story with the students.
Students were silent and focused on Manny as he shared how he grew up in Nigeria, didn’t have a pair of shoes until the age of nine, and how that gift changed his life.
“Students can easily get discouraged about their life’s circumstances. Manny’s story is a powerful message to let those kids know that the challenges they face don’t have to define them or hold them back. Hope is a powerful force. And think it can change the outlook and outcome of a child’s life,” said First Lady Lee.
After listening to the impactful story, the students were ready. The faculty lined the wall. Local and state government officials attended in support of the day. Community volunteers were out in full force and dispersed to all the schools, eager to share shoes and hope with the students. All of Perry County was ready.
Students from the high school and middle school were served together. Governor Lee, First Lady Lee, Samaritan’s Feet CoFounders Manny and Tracie Ohonme, along with volunteers kicked off the day by passing out Hope Totes, containing their new shoes, to the first class of students.
Just a few steps away, a team arrived at Linden Elementary where the energy was high, the laughs were loud, and the smiles were big. Students had their feet washed and received encouragement and fist-bumps just before getting their new pair of shoes.
“Our students were so excited to get new shoes. All we heard yesterday was ‘we get our shoes tomorrow, right?’ This has been awesome for all of our students. A lot of our kids don’t have good shoes, so this is a blessing to our community,” said Angie Williams, Principal, Linden Elementary.
The final team traveled the short distance to the last school, Lobelville Elementary. At Lobelville, children could be heard saying things like “these are the fastest shoes I’ve ever owned” and “I’m going to jump, jump, jump” as they raced and ran in their new shoes.
It was evident this was an extraordinary day.
“Service events bring a community together. People want to be seen, and an event like this lets them know they are seen and not forgotten. We hope this is a catalyst to propel children and families forward and encourage them to keep going,” said First Lady Lee.
For the approximately 900 students in Perry County, this would be a memorable day. Not only did the leaders of their state humbly serve them with incredible kindness, they received a new pair of shoes, something that teachers say many of them have never had before.
And in just a few days, the same special day would be recreated over 5,000 miles away in Ghana. “It is remarkable that a need being met in our state is also being met across the ocean. Whether you are in the Tennessee or in Ghana, there are opportunities to serve those around you,” said First Lady Lee.
In honor of these historic events, Governor Lee prepared a proclamation for the Agbetikpo Village marking September 17 a day to celebrate them and the shoes Samaritan’s Feet distributed that day.
Samaritan’s Feet thanks Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee and Tennessee Serves for sponsoring the 900 pairs of shoes distributed in Perry County.
TORGBUI AGBETIKPO
The team bus moved slowly down the bumpy clay road, as puddles and holes were scattered as far as the eye could see. The metal roadside shops became fewer and were gradually replaced by tall green grass and an occasional farmer selling watermelon.
The faintest sound of drums began to fill the air. The beats became louder and louder—the team had finally reached Agbetikpo Village.
As the bus pulled next to the yellow and brown Agbetikpo D/A Basic School, five drummers started a new song to mark the team’s arrival. Three tents faced the school; underneath two, the village Torgbui (Chief) Phillip Kugah, elders, and women gathered. The remaining tent shaded chairs awaiting the Samaritan’s Feet team.
Observing traditional greetings, the team first met Torgbui Phillip Kugah who was wrapped in beautiful blue and white fabric, then waved to elders, and then to the children sitting on the school steps.
It was time for the team to take their seats—the village was ready to begin the program to welcome the team to their community.
The village prepared a beautiful program to express their excitement and gratitude for the 1,000 pairs of shoes Samaritan’s Feet was to distribute that day. It included music and dances, an opening prayer, welcome addresses and speeches, and then a drama the students had prepared to show the effects on a child’s education if they do not have proper footwear. The play began with shoeless children saying, “everyone started laughing at us because we have no shoes, so we did not go to school,” but ended with the children receiving shoes saying, “I am happy because I can go to school tomorrow.”
Music continued to play, and the team was handed bright Kente Cloth to wrap around themselves. The visitors made their way towards the dancers and joined them in learning the dance they had so beautifully performed all morning.
The team then presented the Proclamation from the Governor and First Lady of Tennessee to Torgbui Phillip Kugah and in return, he gave a pair of his old shoes as a symbol of both what he was previously wearing and his gratitude for the new shoes.
“Think about the village we served—the chief was present, the whole community was there and you could see togetherness. Because of the shoes, everybody came together. That unity and love speaks so much to what Samaritan’s Feet does,” said Matthew Atokple, Founder, Feed the Generations, and Samaritan’s Feet Ghana Host.
It had been a fun morning, and the fun would continue as the shoe distribution began under one of the shaded tents. Torgbui Phillip Kugah was served first, along with the elders, and they graciously accepted their new shoes.
People of all ages had their feet washed—from tiny toddlers who had to be helped into a chair to elders who slowly walked up with a cane and were also assisted into a chair. Every single one of them received a pair of shoes.
“[Samaritan’s Feet] got to do a lot of firsts on this trip; this was the first time we went to this village and served a Chief and it was the first time serving an entire village,” said Christina O’Connor, Ghana Team Member.
Boxes of shoes were constantly being replaced as the line of community members continued to flow into the distribution. Children trickled in with eyes wide as they carefully watched the team serve their friends.
“This is a very special day. We have a population of over 300 students in the school. This is a very poor community, so we are very glad to have this donation. Most of the kids are wearing slippers or nothing at all. We are very grateful you are here,” said Prosper Korsinah, Headmaster, Agbetikpo D/A Basic School.
Children and adults stood up from the chairs where they were being served with smiles filling their faces. They clapped with joy and eagerly showed off the new shoes to those standing near them.
“As much as the material things are able to help them with their daily lives, they are also receiving love, emotional encouragement, and so much spiritual encouragement,” said Atokple.
Just behind the distribution area, children could be seen running and playing with friends, all in their new shoes. It was a sweet moment of pure happiness.
“Imagine a school girl or school boy trying to walk to school without shoes—the discrimination and the emotional and psychological effect it can have on that child. So, when a child has a pair of shoes, it can allow the child to be very confident and say ‘hey I’m going to school now and I’m complete.’ It gives them selfworth,” said Atokple.
The whole world is in Clarkston
Refugees from countries like Ethiopia, Burundi, Rwanda, and Eritrea walk up in beautiful, bright colors that only increase the already-glowing cheerfulness of the special community of Clarkston, GA.
They’ve arrived hours early to the Amani Women’s Center in the tiny 1.09 square mile town of Clarkston. A line begins to form as they eagerly await the opportunity to receive new shoes for themselves and their families. The sun shines upon the rainbow of dress patterns in the line, almost creating a spotlight—a spotlight on the beauty of diversity in one place; a spotlight on untold stories; a spotlight on perhaps, what a perfect world could look like.
Because, remember, the whole world is in Clarkston.
Clarkston is informally known as the most diverse square mile in the United States because between 2015 and 2019, it ranked first in the United States for resettling the highest number of refugees per capita (APM Research, 2020).
But how did this community get here?
Samaritan’s Feet talked to Doris Mukangu, President of Amani Women’s Center. Mukangu shared some background on just what these refugees have experienced before walking up to this shoe distribution:
Refugees are coming here from a background of war. Refugees run from those countries, walking for miles to the next country looking for solace and a place to stay. If the next country is not receiving them, they keep on moving until they get somewhere where they are welcome. Along the way, they lose family members, some of them through the war or through other circumstances. During that journey, some children die, some parents die, a lot of things can happen.
When they finally get to a country that is a safe haven, like Kenya in east Africa, they are put in a refugee camp. These camps are deep inside the country, where nobody wants to live. They are makeshift, temporary situations with tents and outdoor restrooms. A lot of things can happen at these camps as families are waiting for any country that will receive them. That waiting period can be about 10 years, of just living in limbo, waiting to be picked by whoever wants to accept you.
There are different countries that say ‘we are happy to welcome you to start a new life,’ and America happens to be one of them. There’s then a rigorous vetting system—in both your temporary and future home—ensuring that you were not involved in any atrocities and that you are a decent human being.
Once you’re able to go to your new country, the United States for example, you have to pay for your plane tickets, or, they pay for the tickets and then you pay it back. A typical refugee family has maybe six family members, so that’s around $7,000. It’s very possible for a refugee family to start out in debt, so these families have to start working immediately.
For those refugees here in Georgia, it is usually working in the meat packing factory. The factory is around two hours from Clarkston and you are most likely carpooling every morning, two hours plus the extra time to pick up the others. It’s not the best of conditions, it’s very harsh, but they want to pay that debt. Most refugees come from a culture where debt is an alien concept. They want to pay it off because they don’t want that hanging over their heads. Also, refugees like to work. They find dignity in working and that makes them happy.
For the first 90 days in the United States, a larger resettlement agency helps refugees find a school for children, apartment, work, etc. After 90 days, there are community organizations, like Amani, that step in. Amani is here to hold their hands until they are on their feet. They want to go to a space where they feel safe, welcomed, and understood. That’s what we offer at Amani, this safe space where they are able to come along after the resettlement agency isn’t able to help them anymore.
These families are coming here with just the clothes on their backs. That’s how they start. I remember one of my experiences visiting a refugee family. They were so hospitable and insisted they wanted to share a meal with me. So they served me the meal, and they were all sitting and looking at me. And I thought ‘what is going on here?’ We weren’t eating together. Come to find out, they only had one plate. So they were waiting for me to finish first, as a guest, and then they would take turns to use that plate. They were that hospitable.
You never know what kind of background a refugee comes from because they always have a smile on their face. Any small thing you do for them, they are so happy and so grateful.
That happiness and gratitude were evident throughout the community.
It was seen at an Eritrean restaurant as a refugee proudly cooked a sumptuous traditional meal to share with volunteers serving in her town.
It was seen outside of a coffee shop when a young barefoot boy knelt to wipe the dust off the new yellow sneakers of an older friend.
And, it was seen at Amani Women’s Center as a girl proudly watched her friend, who came in with old, mismatched shoes, receive a brand new pair.
That line of bright dresses begins moving as the shoe distribution gets underway. Volunteers, some from just one mile down the road and others traveling from over 500 miles away, were excited to give hope and let these families know they are not here all alone.
Frankie Williams, a volunteer who traveled from Little Rock, AR to serve, said, “I think today’s event will show people here that somebody cares about them and that people want to see them excel in life. When you look back at where these refugees came from, maybe walking down dirt roads without shoes, just to know they have a pair of shoes now may make them feel like they’re walking on a cloud.”
Translators moved between stations helping volunteers communicate with recipients. Oftentimes, volunteers needed to measure the feet of both adults and children to determine their correct shoe sizes. Recipients left with their arms filled with Hope Totes and their hearts filled with encouragement.
“This event means so much to the community. Amani is seen as a safe space that the community comes to and for us to be able to provide additional treats, like shoes, to the community, it really adds value to what we’re doing. It connects us even more intimately to the community and tells them that we really care about them and their families,” Mukangu said. “In the spirit of World Refugee Day, to be able to say ‘we’re here to celebrate you and the value you bring to the community,’ it is very special. They feel seen, not just as numbers, but as faces. think this day will sit on their hearts for a long time.”
Refugees have walked through so much in life, and hopefully now, they can walk a little more confidently and comfortably.
Smiling children running to greet you with an immediate hug. Upbeat music and dancing welcoming you to their community. The bright sun glistening on the green trees and bushes that stand beside the orange clay roads.
This is Ghana.
The Samaritan’s Feet mission team was eager to serve throughout the coast of this hospitable country. They would be giving out over 2,200 pairs of the World Shoe, an innovative, scientifically designed shoe that includes an antimicrobial agent that helps prevent diseases and promote healing in those who are already infected.
The team started at City of Refuge Ministries (CORM) in Kordiabe, northeast of the capital city of Accra. This organization provides holistic restoration for children who have been liberated from exploitation, abuse, or trafficking.
In Ghana, child trafficking occurs in the Lake Volta region. Fishermen on this lake realized that children could fit in the small fishing boats and use their tiny, agile hands to untangle nets more easily, all while having complete control over them. But these are unsafe, physically demanding working conditions for children, most of which are boys under the age of 10. They are not paid, beatings are frequent, and food and water are often withheld.
Just a week before the team arrived, CORM helped rescue five children, one as young as three years old. They were now living at CORM, receiving an education and other life skills to begin their journey of healing and growth.
The first distribution would be to the children and staff at CORM, around 100 people in total. It was a simple, pleasant time serving the children the team had gotten to know throughout the day. One boy who was served was one of the five who had just been rescued; he, unfortunately, had an injury from a cow stepping on his foot, but he was able to receive a pair of new shoes and an encouraging prayer from a team member.
“This is not just about the shoes. The Samaritan’s Feet team members take the shoes off and clean their feet. That’s humility. Children are going through everything, garbage, etc. So this is beauty, this is healing, this is restoring,” said Johnbull Omorefe, Founder, CORM.
Later that night, team member and award-winning musician Damien Horne put on the first concert ever in this community. Posters for the special event were hung throughout the town, on electric poles, billboards, and trees. A cool breeze filled the audience area as the children and adults greeted their friends as they arrived on shuttle buses. Many of the children served earlier were proud to wear their new shoes, all uniquely decorated with colored shoe laces and paint pens. There was dancing and singing and glow sticks; it was a night of pure joy.
“It meant the world to me to be able to play a concert because that’s what I want to do with my platform and gift,” said Horne. “When I come to a place like Ghana, this being their first concert in the village area, and just watching their reaction and how much fun they’re having and how much they’re enjoying it and interacting with one another, it just brings me joy.”
“This is not just about the shoes. The Samaritan’s Feet team members take the shoes off and clean their feet. That’s humility.”
The team was staying at CORM for three nights, so between conversations walking down the dirt roads and a fun game night, they were getting to know the children there. When one team member greeted a child by name, the girl was astonished and said, “you remembered my name?” And the little boy who was rescued the week prior, had the biggest smile as he bopped a balloon back and forth with a team member—he had that moment to just be a kid. Another shy child, who was rescued earlier in the year along with his sisters, learned to shuffle cards for the first time as he played a game of Uno.
The shoes provided an opportunity to serve the children, building trust with them, which helped create these heartfelt moments.
The next distribution would be at a nearby public school. Setup under some shady trees, the children could be heard in the background having their English lesson as they all spoke in unison.
Kids were quiet as they sat in front of team members, but once they looked down at their new pair of shoes, proud smiles came across their faces. Soon after, they were giggling and high-fiving and cheering one another on.
At another school that day, classes of children in lovely green uniforms were served classby-class. As the team walked by classrooms,
the children jumped up and down to say thank you to those who served them. Some students even got to watch their teacher get a new pair of shoes, which filled them with giggles.
“Shoes are very important for children here in Ghana because without shoes, you’re walking barefoot. If you’re walking barefoot, anything can easily pierce you. We have a lot of bushes around and a lot of these kids are walking distances to go to school. Imagine a school girl or school boy trying to walk to school without shoes—the discrimination and the emotional and psychological effect it can have on that child,” said Matthew Atokple, Founder, Feed the Generations, and Samaritan’s Feet Ghana Host. “So, when a child has a pair of shoes, it can allow the child to be very confident and say ‘hey I’m going to school now and I’m complete.’ It gives them self-worth.”
The next day started early as the team would be traveling over six hours to the other side of the capital city, towards Cape Coast. As the team got closer to their destination, Saltpond, the roads became narrower. Children on the roads waved as the large bus drove by, greeting the guests who had arrived in their town.
The beach was now in sight, fishing boats and palm trees all around. The bus turned a corner and suddenly hundreds of children
could be seen running towards the bus. All in different color school uniforms, the children were excited at what was in store for the day.
As the children got closer, they could be seen holding their old shoes in their hands showing the team that they were ready to receive their new shoes. Children and teachers helped carry chairs and boxes of shoes to the distribution area. Everyone was ready for the first shoe distribution on a beach.
Palm trees perfectly outlined the line of chairs sitting on the dusty brown sand. Large waves in the Atlantic Ocean could be heard just behind.
The sweet children of Saltpond greeted the team member serving them with a wave and handshake, and a hug and look of love as they said goodbye. One of the school teachers at Saltpond, Hannah, said, “I am very impressed with what Samaritan’s Feet is doing here. It is very joyful.”
“It meant the world to me to be able to play a concert because that’s what I want to do with my platform and gift.”
Around 500 children experienced that joyful day as they received their new shoes.
One team member, Christina O’Connor, said, “My favorite shoe distribution was on the beach at Saltpond. The kids were so excited and waiting for us. It was such a special moment. A lot of the students there didn’t speak English, but it didn’t matter. We were able to smile at each other and pray over them and speak life over them.”
As the team traveled around one rainy day, children could be seen leaving school in bright purple uniforms. They were beginning their walk home. Because of the rain, the roads were muddy and filled with puddles. One boy was walking barefoot and one little girl had her feet shoved into too-small shoes, as her heels were hanging off the edges.
“There is a huge gap between the rich and the poor here in Ghana. Those who are rich are continuously becoming richer and those who are poor are always struggling. There are several needs ranging from one area to the other,” said Atokple.
“Due to the number of needs that people have in our country, when mission teams come to help them, it is such a big deal for them. Having someone come and give them a pair of shoes, it is a huge blessing. And as much as the material things are able to help them with their daily lives, they are also receiving love, emotional encouragement, so much spiritual encouragement, all from the teams that come. When teams come, it is a big deal for the people of Ghana and they love having people around because they help them be able to meet their needs.”
That love and encouragement trickled into the next day when the team had a surprise birthday party for those living and attending Dzorwulu Special School (for the intellectually disabled). Children once again waved at the bus, ready to give high fives as soon as team members stepped off.
It was a true celebration. There was a DJ. There was cake. There were balloons. And there was lots of dancing and smiling. It was another beautifully blissful day—complete happiness.
“Think about the village—the chief was present, the whole community, you could just see togetherness. Because of the shoes, everybody had come together. That unity and that love speaks so much to what Samaritan’s Feet does.”
The next day, the team traveled to Agbetikpo Village. It was a windy, bumpy ride to the remote village, but oh boy was it worth the ride!
Drummers played as the bus arrived and soon after, 20 dancers came out to perform for and welcome the team. There was a drama, speeches, and a ceremony from Torgbui (Chief) Phillip Kugah where he presented his old shoes to Samaritan’s Feet as a symbol of gratitude for the new shoes. At one point, the dancers invited the team up in the middle of the field to dance with them.
“They were able to serve us by putting on this beautiful program. They were so welcoming and just loved us and wanted to serve us,” said O’Connor.
The area was full of people: students were sitting on the school steps, families from throughout the community standing and watching, and the elders were sitting under tents. It was a big day because every single person in the village was getting a new pair of shoes. Samaritan’s Feet was “counting to zero shoeless people” just as their mission states. (See page 16 for more details on this special day).
“Think about the village—the chief was present, the whole community, you could just see togetherness. Because of the shoes, everybody had come together. That unity and that love speaks so much to what Samaritan’s Feet does,” said Atokple.
Tiny toddlers to elders were all served that day. Boxes of shoes were constantly being replaced as the number served got closer and closer to 1,000.
“This is a very special day. This is a very poor community, so we are very glad to have this donation. Most of the kids are wearing slippers or nothing at all. We are very grateful you are here,” said Prosper
Korsinah, Headmaster, Agbetikpo D/A Basic School. There was one last stop for the team: Shekinah Children’s Home.
The sky was cloudy, but the atmosphere was peaceful. There was a calming presence inside the gates of the Children’s Home. Little ones playing on a green patch of grass quickly stood up when the bus pulled in. They exicetdly ran towards it making everyone instant friends. The 40 kids living at the orphanage, along with the staff, were all served with a new pair of shoes. Ellen Annan, the Founder of Shekinah Children’s Home remarked with a gracious smile that they will wear their new shoes to school.
Then, it was playtime with the kids at the Children’s Home. Frisbees, bracelets, and other games encouraged everyone to just have a little fun. It was the perfect way to end such an impactful week— with simple joyful moments.
“On behalf of the people of Ghana, I just want to say thanks to the team and Samaritan’s Feet for being such an incredible organization and all that you do across the world, especially here in Ghana,” said Atokple.
Samaritan’s Feet was excited to serve, and continue serving, in Ghana. Over 3,200 people in the country have received a pair of the World Shoes this year, thanks to the generosity of Sanford Health and their ongoing efforts there. It was an honor to meet so many inspiring Ghanaians, of all ages, who are so kind and caring.
“The people of Ghana are very wonderful people. They are very lovely and peaceful,” said Atokple.
Wonderful, lovely, and peaceful.
That is Ghana.
“The people of Ghana are very wonderful people. They are very lovely and peaceful,” said Atokple.
Wonderful, lovely, and peaceful. That is Ghana.
Join us on an international or domestic mission trip, where you’ll give hope and a new pair of shoes to those in need. We take care of all the details and partner with some of the most amazing organizations around the world so that together, we can make a lasting impact.
Among the most prevalent of neglected tropical diseases are a grouping of diseases known as soil-transmitted helminths. According to the World Health Organization, soil-transmitted helminth infections are among the most common infections worldwide and affect the poorest and most deprived communities. The main species that infect people are the roundworm which impacts 870 million to 1.2 billion people, whipworm impacting 604 to 795 million people, and hookworms impacting 576 to 740 million people.
With the assistance of medical and manufacturing partners, Samaritan’s Feet has developed the World Shoe as an efficient and effective treatment for soil-transmitted diseases and parasites.
This innovative, scientifically designed and manufactured shoe includes an active nanosilver antimicrobial agent that not only prevents diseases, but also helps promote healing in those who are already infected.
Soil-transmitted helminths are transmitted by eggs that are passed in the feces of infected people. In areas that lack adequate sanitation, these eggs contaminate the soil. Hookworm eggs can hatch in the soil, releasing larvae that mature into a form that can actively penetrate the skin. People become infected with hookworm primarily by walking barefoot on contaminated soil. Over 267 million preschool-age children and over 568 million school-age children are in need of treatment and preventative interventions because they live in areas where these parasites are intensively transmitted.
The extent of infection is related to the number of worms harbored. Heavier infections can cause a range of symptoms including intestinal manifestations (diarrhea and abdominal pain), malnutrition, general malaise and weakness, and impaired growth and physical development. Infections of very high intensity can cause intestinal obstruction that should be treated surgically. Soil-transmitted helminths can impair the nutritional status of people they infect in multiple ways: loss of iron and protein, chronic intestinal blood loss which can result in anemia, malabsorption of nutrients, and loss of appetite leading to a reduction in nutritional intake.
At any time, close to half the people living in the developing world are suffering from one or more diseases resulting from inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The most well-known WASH-related disease is diarrheal illness, from which about 801,000 children die from annually. Millions more suffer from WASH-related Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), such as soil-transmitted helminths.
Improved, sustainable WASH solutions are essential to prevent disease in the world’s poorest countries and involves increasing access to safe water, managing human waste, and improving hygiene and environmental management.
Combining the World Shoe Program with these WASH solutions (Wash and Wear), Samaritan’s Feet wants to come alongside the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention and World Health Organization to help reach their goal to prevent, control, eliminate, and eradicate a set of 20 neglected tropical diseases by 2030.
The World Shoe is biodegradable in areas already suffering from excess waste, threats to public hygiene, and pollution.
The World Shoe is a viable solution to increase hygiene and decrease the risk of deadly diseases. With shoes, children don’t have to miss school, and instead, can further their education to pursue their dreams. Ultimately, this will help to accelerate opportunities for a more fulfilled life.
Samaritan’s Feet has partnered with Sanford Health to help develop and distribute the World Shoe worldwide. Read what Dr. David Pearce, President, Sanford Research, said about that partnership:
“This partnership with Samaritan’s Feet is how we can deliver something that is needed. Samaritan’s Feet has a fantastic program of providing shoes and our contribution to that can be our research—it’s about measuring impact, decreasing foot-borne diseases, and increasing the number of days kids get to attend school because of these shoes. As a health system, we can also add medications to the good that Samaritan’s Feet is already doing. When we give a child a pair of shoes, we can also give them a vaccine or an antiworm pill. Then, we can measure the impact of less parasitic infections in children.”
Over 1.5 billion people are infected with diseases that are transmitted through contaminated soil (World Health Organization, 2017).
The Children’s Defense Fund reports in a 2020 study that 1 in 5 children in America live in poverty which can create a lack of access to basic necessities like shoes and socks. Additionally, Columbia University reports that since May 2020, the number of Americans in poverty has increased by 8 million.
An innovation that came out of the pandemic, beyond drive-through shoe distributions, was the creation of the Shoe Locker program, which helps address the growing needs in the U.S.
A Shoe Locker is a way to provide new athletic shoes to children as the needs arise. Kept on-site at a school, a Shoe Locker is a supply of athletic shoes which are immediately available when a student has improperly fitting or worn shoes.
Children in need can receive a new pair of athletic shoes quickly, allowing them to get right back into the classroom and right back onto the playground. We recognize that students’ needs can fluctuate based off their circumstances, but the Shoe Locker is a constant.
This program is built to ensure that children can learn, run, and grow with comfort and confidence. Individuals and organizations have the opportunity to adopt a school and make sure that every student has a pair of properly fitting shoes—that every student has the chance to learn, play, and be a kid.
In March 2021, the first Shoe Locker was officially established. Athletic shoes were split between Billingsville Elementary and Cotswold Elementary in Charlotte, NC. These two schools serve Kindergarten through 5th graders.
“I believe having shoes for students gives them confidence in the classroom because they are more comfortable. They feel better. They can concentrate on their education, and less on their shoes not working or fitting,” said Holly Peterson, School Counselor, Billingsville Elementary.
Shoe Lockers have been installed across the United States and typically include 250 pairs of shoes each.
“Our students grow, so it’s nice to be able to have shoes on-hand. If a child grew over the year, we have shoes available and ready for them. Shoe Lockers can build support in the community knowing our school helps our families in need. It lets them know we are here for their children, that they are safe and happy,” said Peterson.
“I believe having shoes for students gives them confidence in the classroom because they are more comfortable. They feel better. They can concentrate on their education, and less on their shoes not working or fitting.”
THE FUTURE OF SAMARITAN’S FEET IS HERE.
In June 2021, the organization purchased a 74,135 square foot building which will be the site of their worldwide headquarters. The facility (located at 4808 Chesapeake Dr.) sits on 15.86 acres of land on the Westside Opportunity Zone of Charlotte, NC.
“The monumental growth of Samaritan’s Feet over the last several years is showcased by the purchase of our new headquarters facility, thanks in part to Sanford Health and other partners. This is an important step in the next phase of the organization,” said Manny Ohonme, President, CEO, and Co-Founder, Samaritan’s Feet.
This building will house the main offices for staff based in the U.S., an expanded volunteer engagement center, rentable meeting and event spaces, and the Samaritan’s Feet interactive area presented by Sanford Health (an educational immersive experience available to the general public). Additionally, there is a dramatic increase in warehouse space used to store, process, and ship shoes globally. This warehouse space will allow the organization to project a 60% increase in shoes distributed in the United States alone over the next five years, and ship over 1 million shoes worldwide annually.
“The expansion allows us to work more efficiently towards our vision and amplify our commitment to creating a world with zero shoeless people, while further activating an ethos of corporate and community service in the city to help our constituents serve in a greater capacity. We are thrilled to bring this exciting new facility to the community of Charlotte, our home-base where the organization began 18 years ago,” said Ohonme.
Samaritan’s Feet was able to purchase the building through a $5 million lead gift from Sanford Health, with matching gifts from other local and national partners through an ongoing capital campaign that outlines three main strategies to scale the global impact of the organization: increase operational capacity in the U.S., maximize efficiency in global delivery, and expand experiential education.
“It’s hard to believe just 18 years ago we were operating out of our garage in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte. We’re excited to see how this new facility leads to greater impact, because that represents more needs met worldwide,” said Tracie Ohonme, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder, Samaritan’s Feet.
“It’s hard to believe just 18 years ago we were operating out of our garage in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte. We’re excited to see how this new facility leads to greater impact, because that represents more needs met worldwide.”
Future plans for the headquarters include expansion of the immersive experience, the Samaritan Leadership Institute, an innovation and business incubator space, and additional co-working and rentable event areas.
The organization is experiencing a special momentum—are you ready to join in the excitement?
With the new additional warehouse space, Samaritan’s Feet can increase their capacity to serve.
A larger volunteer engagement area creates more opportunities for volunteers to prepare and process shoes.
“We want to live in a country where going to school, getting an education, and becoming the individual you are meant to be does not depend on whether or not you have shoes,” said Elanie Fourie, CEO, Samaritan’s Feet South Africa.
Samaritan’s Feet South Africa is an affiliate office of Samaritan’s Feet with the same vision, just targeted to their specific area: zero shoeless children in the country of South Africa. This year was one of their
biggest yet, working hard towards that goal. In 2021, Samaritan’s Feet South Africa served a total of 17,124 children with new shoes and a message of hope.
“With each pair of shoes, we connect through positive physical and emotional touch. We want to convey a message of hope and that dreams can come true. It’s our vision to be part of a holistic solution to communities as we partner with organizations addressing other needs,” said Fourie.
One of the highlights for Samaritan’s Feet South Africa was their “Spring Gifting Day” which served 10,000 children, all in one day. Children, along with teachers, at Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centers across the Western Cape Province were in for a treat on September 1, the first day of Spring for South Africa.
“There were tears of joy! Tears of laughter! Tears of pain because children couldn’t understand why and how they were so fortunate to receive these shoes. And, volunteers were in tears and touched through the gift of giving,” said Fourie.
Around 200 “Good Samaritans” received training on how to host a shoe distribution with one at each ECD Center. This allowed the small Samaritan’s Feet South Africa team of two to strategically enlarge the footprint of Samaritan’s Feet South Africa and empower others to do good. Additionally, teachers, community leaders,
and local government representatives help distribute the shoes.
Samaritan’s Feet South Africa also hosted a “Journey of Hope Project” which served 24 districts in the Western Cape with shoes, feminine hygiene products, and other items.
“We want to ensure students are equipped to attend school to receive the education they need, as well as fill their hearts with a message of love and hope,” said Fourie.
Samaritan’s Feet South Africa is just one affiliate office of the organization; other affiliate offices include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Peru, and Philippines.
“Alaska is beautiful, yet rugged, and at times, harsh. The people seem connected to nature as well as to each other because they have to be connected to thrive,” said Teresa Hucko, leader of the first team to serve in the state of Alaska.
Not only was it the first time a Samaritan’s Feet team served in Alaska, it was the first time the organization distributed shoes in the state.
“Since we weren’t able to send teams internationally due to COVID-19 earlier in the year, we started looking for locations a little closer to home. Alaska was an immediate possibility. We had a great partner with My360Project that helped us identify villages and communities where our team could serve, along with several locations throughout the greater Fairbanks area,” said Whitney Saucedo, Director of Missions, Samaritan’s Feet. “We had so much interest in this first trip that we were able to quickly fill a second team that went back to Alaska in August to serve in completely different locations,”
Alaska is the largest U.S. state by area, but one of the smallest in population. Alaska’s population is approximately 731,545 with 73,886 of those people living in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019).
“Sometimes I feel like Alaska is either a forgotten state or that many people think of Alaska as nothing but mountains, moose, and good fishing. Not many people think of this area as a place in need like many communities in the lower 48 [contiguous U.S. states]. Many people come to Alaska to escape a hardship or addiction that they have fallen into while in the lower 48, just to find themselves in a similar position while here,” said Kayla Mayer, Volunteer and Community Coordinator, Fairbanks Rescue Mission.
The Fairbanks Rescue Mission is the only overnight Emergency Shelter for homeless men, women, and children in interior Alaska. They provide three meals a day, shelter, and case management for 30 days. Samaritan’s Feet had the opportunity to do a few shoe distributions there to serve those that the Rescue Mission also serves.
Additionally, the team traveled outside the city of Fairbanks to serve in more remote areas and villages. “Once we exited the tourist area and made our way to smaller villages, the need was more evident. The access to shopping was not easy and the environment was harsh on the items they did have. The sight of very small, wooden homes, many in need of repair and without indoor plumbing, juxtaposed against the backdrop of beautiful snow capped mountains and crystal blue lakes was beautiful, yet concerning,” said Hucko.
The team was welcomed at every distribution and had recipients from age two to 98. Driving about three hours from Fairbanks, the team served in a small village of less than 200 people in Minto. They provided shoes and a word of encouragement to those living there. Team members recall a young man whose prayer request was “a good catch for his daily food” as there was no grocery store nearby and another who simply wanted encouragement to be able to go to college one day.
“When Samaritan’s Feet team members sit down to converse with someone and learn about them and even to pray with them, it’s a sign that there is hope in this world…A newfound feeling of hope can lift anyone’s spirits. It can give someone courage to get out of that hole they have fallen into and show them a better perspective on life,” said Mayer.
The team also served in Nenana (which means “little river”), a small village with a well-known tradition of residents predicting when the ice will begin to break each year. One team member, Jennifer Calvert, recalls a special moment at the distribution in Nenana: a mom brought her brightlyattired little girl with ribboned hair to the event. Samaritan’s Feet was able to find her a precious pair of tennis shoes with bows. She and her mom were both thrilled with her beautiful new shoes.
“Very often, people here don’t even have a new pair of socks. So, adding shoes on top of that can be revolutionary. Socks and shoes have more meaning than something to just walk in—it can mean the opportunity to find a job as the last employer took a look at their shoes and determined they were unfit for the job based on the tattered canvas. It can mean the opportunity to walk comfortably to their new job without the worry of being seen as having a poor work ethic because their feet hurt from the miles they walked to get there,” said Mayer.
The team also had the opportunity to visit another beautiful, magical place in Alaska: the North Pole! Team members posed with Santa Claus and the irony was not lost on them as one gift giver posed with another. Santa Claus thanked the team for the work they did throughout Alaska, another example of community members looking out for one another.
“The people seem to really care about one another in Alaska. They were not bothered to be inconvenienced for the good of their neighbor. One business stored shoe boxes in their warehouse, even opening their building to provide a workspace for the team to sort shoes. Doug Isaacson, former mayor of the North Pole, loaded and unloaded his truck with hundreds of pairs of shoes. He drove his truck several hours to deliver the shoes to our needed locations all at his own expense and with a huge smile,” said Hucko.
“While it was not Santa’s sleigh, it was still a magical vehicle from the North Pole bringing a wonderful gift to the villages that we served.”
Sole Society is a group of people whose consistent support of the organization empowers Samaritan’s Feet to give hope to those in need. Recurring donors who give monthly or quarterly are part of this community and together, they provide reliable funding that allows our organization to plan and grow efficiently. This incredible group of people, from around the world, are so important to the work Samaritan’s Feet is able to do that they are considered part of the family.
We talked to a few Sole Society members, Ryan and Alissa (RA), Betsy (B), and Jennifer (J), to hear more about how they feel about being part of the Samaritan’s Feet family.
Why did you decide to join Sole Society?
RA: We decided to contribute to Sole Society based on our belief in tithing. We chose Sole Society after hearing NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie promoting Samaritan’s Feet on a recent show. Over the last few years we have split our monthly tithe between our church and a separate cause we believe can make a real difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
B: think of all the shoes I have in my closet, so to give one pair of new shoes to a child each month is a small way I can share. By being in Sole Society and having an automatic draft donation each month, I don’t have to worry about forgetting to make the donation. It is an easy way to spread hope.
J: I was excited to become a regular contributor because I know it can be helpful for organizations like Samaritan’s Feet to have an idea of how much money will be coming in each month so they can plan and budget better. Plus, it helps me to have it automatically drafted from my account—I don’t have to remember to donate!
Do you believe your gifts can make a difference?
RA: By faith, we believe our gifts make a difference in the cause. Samaritan’s Feet is very open and honest in how they use their funds and they have shown they can do a lot with a little.
B: Yes, I do feel like it makes a difference. One pair of shoes can bring hope and smiles to the one child who really needs it that month. Not only does it help the child, but it blesses my heart, too. It makes me proud to be a Sole Society member when I see pictures of children who receive new shoes because can see their joy, smiles, and confidence.
J: Yes, read the stories and see the images of the work Samaritan’s Feet is doing and know that my contributions help make that work possible. I’ve participated in distributions and seen first-hand the joy and hope someone receives with their pair of shoes, so I know our gifts have an impact locally and globally.
What would you say to someone to encourage them to join Sole Society?
RA: We would tell them to look at the gifts and blessings they have in their lives and consider how much even a small contribution will make in the lives of others. Look at how easily crowdfunding works in other companies to achieve multiple different goals. Samaritan’s Feet has one goal—consider how fast they can achieve it with a bunch of small contributions. Everything counts!
B: This is an easy way to give hope and love. The amount doesn’t matter as long as you are giving and giving what you can. You can make a difference to a child—you can help make them feel good about themselves, be able to go to school, feel cared for, confident, and so much more.
J: Do it! You’ll never regret helping make a positive impact on someone’s life and giving someone hope.
Why do you believe in the mission of Samaritan’s Feet?
RA: Our family runs on faith. We believe that we are called to help others and this is where we were led. We would never have found Samaritan’s Feet without being avid NASCAR fans who just happened to see a snippet of a show that referenced this group. We believe in Samaritan’s Feet and are proud to work with them in their mission.
B: I never realized the need for shoes or what a new pair of shoes can do for someone until I was introduced to Samaritan’s Feet. Hearing about people receiving shoes, being a part of a shoe distribution, reading stories from the field, volunteering in the warehouse, and hosting a shoe drive, all of these have helped me realize what a pair of shoes can do for a child or adult. New shoes are important for so many reasons. I talk about Samaritan’s Feet every opportunity I get because I love what they do and how they do it. I am very thankful that I am able to be a part of their mission—what a blessing!
J: Manny’s story is very impactful. It really makes you see that you’re not just giving someone a pair of shoes, you might be giving them an opportunity for an education, a healthier life, a better future. And I want to be part of that.
Are you ready to join Sole Society? Here are a few things to expect as a Sole Society Member:
You’re going to change lives. The generous gifts from Sole Society members help sustain our work, allowing us to serve in the most efficient and effective way possible.
You’re going to be encouraged.
You’ll receive access to a password-protected site that gives behind-thescenes stories from the field. You won’t find these updates anywhere else, so get your inbox ready for some joy.
You’re going to be connected.
Whether it’s an exclusive, members-only virtual gathering with our founders, or a cocktail hour before our gala, we want you to know you are a special member of our family.
Samaritan’s Feet is blessed to have incredible supporters worldwide. Some of them have found really creative ways to raise awareness for the organization using their “platform”— their specific gifts and passions that provide opportunities to communicate and share their heart with others.
We talked to four people who used their platform for Samaritan’s Feet in unique ways and hope you feel encouraged hearing their stories. Meet business-owners Kat and Landon Eckles, musician Damien Horne, and NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie:
Kat and Landon Eckles (KLE): Kat and Landon are the founders of Clean Juice®, the first and only national USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise that serves cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and wraps to keep its communities “healthy body and strong spirit” (3 John 1-2). They opened their first location in Charlotte on June 5, 2015 and today, there are more than 114 Clean Juice® stores open with another 70 in development in 28 states.
The Eckles are 2021 Hope Givers and with the help of its family of Franchise Partners, will raise funds and awareness for the mission of Samaritan’s Feet through its Quarters for Kids program in October and November, 2021. For more information, visit www.cleanjuice.com/ q4k.
Damien Horne (DH): Damien is a singer-songwriter who has played alongside some of the most prominent performers in the world, including Keith Urban, Faith Hill, and John Legend. With a story that includes childhood tragedy and years of homelessness, Damien believes he is called to encourage others, inspire them to find their purpose, have hope in hard times, and live their best life.
Horne is a 2021 Hope Giver and served on a mission team to Ghana were he performed a concert in a remote village and helped distribute shoes to thousands of people.
Corey LaJoie (CL): Corey is a professional driver in the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup series, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro for Spire Motorsports. The coined racing nickname he’s had since he was a child is “SuperShoe.” Corey has a heart for missions and has helped raise thousands of dollars for Samaritan’s through creative efforts like a ShoeStakes giveaway and handwriting donor’s names on race cars.
LaJoie, along with his wife Kelly, were the 2019 Samaritan’s Feet Person of the Year. In 2021, he hosted a Kickball Tournament to help raise funds for Samaritan’s Feet and other organizations.
KLE: The first thing that we teach any new employee or franchise owner when they become part of the Clean Juice family is the Kingdom Purpose of our company. Our Kingdom Purpose reads that we are aiming to ‘serve as a great example of what it means to be a good steward of what God has blessed us with.’ We know that the Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to use Clean Juice and all of its resources to go far beyond serving juices and smoothies (even though that is important!). We love getting to say ‘yes’ and try to say yes to as many opportunities as we can. One of Kat’s favorite quotes is, “When you are blessed with abundance make sure you build a bigger table, not a higher fence.” We feel blessed to be able to continue to build a bigger and bigger table as our company and family grow.
DH: It meant the world to me to be able to play a concert in a village in Ghana because that’s what I want to do with my gift—I want to be somebody who inspires and motivates others. I knew this was the first concert in this village area and it brought me so much joy to see how much fun they were having, how much they were enjoying it, and see them interacting with one another. I watched them dance and sing along to my song “Shine,” and I was able to pull them up on stage and have them sing it word-for-word with me. Those words mean so much to me, so that was huge.
CL: For me, it means using my network, social media platforms, and the stage that being a professional driver allows me, to raise awareness for the Samaritan’s Feet mission. When the work that Samaritan’s Feet does is aligned so well with the same areas that I love to integrate with, it makes it an organic partnership.
Specifically, how did you use your platform for good?
KLE: Clean Juice will promote our month-long campaign through an omnichannel approach with the goal of raising $20,000! Utilizing our more than 110+ open stores across the nation, Clean Juice has created a detailed implementation guide that includes all the information necessary for a successful campaign. From Juicerista sales scripts to social media captions and graphics, all the way to in-store marketing materials and businessto-business partnership tie-ins. The main vehicle to build awareness of Samaritan’s Feet and our campaign will be through social media, specifically LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Clean Juice will also drive all local posts to our dedicated web page on CleanJuice.com and a “donate now” link.
DH: Outside of serving on distributions with Samaritan’s Feet, I’ve also had the opportunity to speak at various leadership events to share my experiences with Samaritan’s Feet and first-hand encounters on the impact of those in need around the globe. Also, being in the entertainment industry, I use my platform to bring awareness, resources, funds, and other people to join the mission of Manny Ohonme and Samaritan’s Feet.
CL: My wife Kelly and I were Hope Givers in 2019 and continue to weave our charitable work through Samaritan’s Feet. This year, we put together the first Kickball Klassic in my hometown of Kannapolis, NC. We rounded up some of the biggest stars of NASCAR for a charity game as well as a 16-team tournament. Collectively, we raised over $100,000, but what I’m most excited about is that the groundwork that has been laid for the event to continue and grow in the community for years to come.
Describe an impactful moment you had serving with Samaritan’s Feet.
KEL: Kat and I first learned of Samaritan’s Feet back in 2016 during Elevation Church’s ‘Love Week.’ We volunteered to help at a local school, and Samaritan’s Feet was set up to wash children’s feet and give out shoes. I had the privilege of washing feet and praying over these sweet children that day, and it was really life changing for me. We’ve been huge fans of Samaritan’s Feet ever since! I’ve followed the organization, and Manny and I had mutual friends, so eventually we connected. When he asked me to be a Hope Giver this year, I was honored. We have a passion for children here at Clean Juice and established a foundation called ‘Quarters 4 Kids’ where we help children across the country with many needs. This opportunity aligned perfectly with our hearts and mission.
DH: It was humbling serving in Ghana. A lot of times when you go on mission trips you give so much, but you always get so much more in return. Just watching people in Ghana live life and see how much joy they have was so humbling. They’re so appreciative of things and they bless us so much in return. I remember washing a child’s feet, his name was Caldwell, and he was nine years old. That made me think of Manny because Manny was nine years old when he got his first pair of shoes. I asked Caldwell what he wanted to be when he grew up and he said a doctor. So, I kept calling him Dr. Caldwell the whole time. I thought about how this could ripple on just like it did in Manny’s life.
What would you say to encourage others to use their platforms to support a non-profit organization?
KLE: What we love about non-profits is that they are really good at what they are good at. We are good at running juice bars. As much as we would love to, we unfortunately don’t have the time to put together an entire non-profit ministry. Thankfully, there are organizations like Samaritan’s Feet that dedicate their entire lives to making sure their mission is carried through. That is what they are good at. Supporting them is an easy choice because we can fill in the gaps where needed, whether through financial resources or showing up to wash feet for events, and we are able to serve however is needed to help. It’s an easy choice to let the professionals lead the charge and allow us to come along as soldiers in their fight. The impact we can all make together is so much greater!
CL: It’s amazing how much fun it is to work your brain for reasons that aren’t benefitting you financially or some sort of career progression. When you can use the blessings that the Lord has put in your life to bless others, it’s a fulfillment that you won’t find anywhere else.
A few people we served wanted to say thank YOU. It’s because of your generosity that we are able to give shoes and a message of hope to those in need.
We also want to thank some of our donors, volunteers, and partners who have helped us serve so many this year:
WE’VE SERVED OVER 8.5 MILLION . IT’S TIME TO FINISH THE TASK. TOGETHER, WE CAN HIT OUR ORIGINAL GOAL OF SERVING
HELP US SERVE 10 MILLION BY DECEMBER 31, 2022. WWW.SAMARITANSFEET.ORG/10MILLION
Samaritan’s Feet serves and inspires hope by providing shoes as the foundation to a spiritual and healthy life resulting in the advancement of education and economic opportunities.
