Footprints 2022

F O OTPRINT S S A M A R I TA N ’ S F E E T

RELIEF

a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress.

THE RACE TO 10 MILLION SANFORD HEALTH Joins At Shoe Distributions To Provide Health Incentives

ISSUE NO. 4

10M We’re almost there! We’ve almost hit our original goal of serving 10 million around the world. It’s time to finish the task, but we need your help. Join us, through giving your time, treasures, or talents.

It’s going to be an exciting year. We can’t wait to serve together.

Million

From the Founders.

What an incredible year it has been! We have crossed over the mark of serving over 9,000,000 people around the world. That’s 9 million people who have proper footwear and encouragement which can propel them towards a better future.

As we reflect on this year and all we’ve done, we can’t help but think of one common thread through all of these efforts: relief.

Soon after the war in Ukraine began, we sent a container of shoes and socks to Poland help refugees begin a new and different life as they fled the war. Across our home state of North Carolina, we served over 20,000 individuals, allowing thousands of families to have just enough help to allow them to focus on other needs. In Belize, a struggling mom of six stood with a relieved smile as she watched her children receive something she wasn’t able to provide.

And in Kentucky, shoes and socks were sent to rural areas after tornadoes, and then flooding, took everything from those who lived in regions pummeled by natural disasters.

These stories and more can be found in the pages of this magazine. We hope you reflect on them and see how the tiniest bit of relief can change someone’s outlook on life, and that, is powerful.

None of this would be possible without you—our volunteers, donors, partners, and team. You have helped provide relief, care, and compassion in so many ways.

We are already looking forward to 2023 as we approach our 20th anniversary as an organization and meeting our original goal of serving 10 million people.

We can’t wait to see what’s next.

Thank you for joining us,

Manny & Tracie Manny and Tracie Ohonme

полегшення The journey of relief through Poland and Ukraine.

“On the 24th of February, I turned on Putin’s speech and his last words were that Russia was going to attack. He didn’t even finish his sentence and I could already hear the bombing in Kiev, Ukraine,” said Oksana, a Ukrainian from Kiev.

The next few moments for Oksana were the same for many others across the country—a short amount of time to make incredibly important life-changing, and lifesaving, decisions.

“I woke up my kids and asked the older one to help with the packing. I went out to pull some cash from the ATM, just in case. I called my friends and ended up taking two more boys, one girl, and two cats in my car. Nobody was prepared,so where do you go? You need to make a decision right away, like in five or ten minutes,” said Oksana.

Seeing footage of millions of refugees leaving their homes in Ukraine carrying only what they were able to frantically pack, Samaritan’s Feet knew we had to do our part to help. Partnering with Convoy of Hope, a disaster relief organization, Samaritan’s Feet immediately sent two containers of shoes and socks to Poland, a neighboring country receiving thousands of Ukrainians daily.

Once the shipment arrived in Poland, a small Samaritan’s Feet team traveled to Eastern Europe to help distribute a portion of those shoes and socks, and to support the efforts of Convoy of Hope. The team first arrived at

the Convoy of Hope warehouse in Lublin, Poland, to the Convoy of Hope, which stored the shoes and socks from Samaritan’s Feet.

The warehouse was full of generous gifts from organizations and companies, soon to be distributed to families and individuals fleeing for their lives. In one corner of the warehouse, a group of six Ukrainian women and children sat patiently sorting and preparing that very shipment of socks. They had previously been supported

by Convoy of Hope with food and other supplies and they wanted to fill their day with something, something that would help others just as they had been helped.

It was this moment, unbeknownst to the team, that would inspire the rest of the week—a week filled with moments of respect, stories of compassion, and desires for normalcy.

“We were here right after the invasion. The biggest thing we do is we try to make sure that every person maintains their dignity no matter what. During a disaster, we want a person to feel like a person,” said Christian Rodriguez, International Disaster Response Manager, Convoy of Hope.

Day 1

Rzeszów, Poland and Strażów, Poland

The morning started at a shopping mall turned refugee center in Rzeszów. Right after the war in Ukraine began, upstairs tenants at the mall were quickly moved downstairs so the Centrum Medyczne (Medical Center) could be set up. That upstairs was now filled with hundreds of cots, a laundry center, play area for children, showers, a cafeteria, and more.

“We established this place for people who are fleeing the violence in Ukraine. We have had about 10,000 people come through the Center in total. The capacity is about 500 people,” said Rafał Kut, Director of Communication, Centrum Medyczne.

“At the beginning, we were overflowing with people. We don’t know if the conflict will expand, so we are keeping this open.”

For some refugees, it was a safe transition point as they would stay there a few days and then travel to other western countries or Polish cities, but individuals may stay as long as they need. Many, just like Oksana, fled quickly and grabbed only a few necessary items that they could easily transport.

“When people arrive, they have their basic necessities with them. Sometimes they leave very fast and they may have just had a couple minutes to grab things and just run. At the beginning, there were people who traveled for 50-60 hours, so they were exhausted, especially the kids,” said Kut. About five large bags of shoes were sent up the elevator to the upper level of the mall so the first ever distribution in Poland could begin. This one would look a little different than a normal Samaritan’s Feet event. Because of the small team and space, it naturally progressed into a “shop and try” style event which ended up being the most fitting for this special group of recipients. This allowed these refugees, who have experienced an abnormal life the last few months, to have a normal experience. They browsed all the shoes, found the ones they liked, and tried them on. A typical experience.

“It is so refreshing [when groups come in], especially for the children. Some of them have had trauma because they saw things that no child is supposed to see. We try to bring as much of a normal life for them as possible,” said Kut. At this distribution, the team met Lilliana, a young girl who tried on about 10 pairs of shoes in search of the pair she liked most. She gently smiled as she tried on each pair, examining them carefully and looking to others for approval. Lilliana’s mother helped her other, younger daughter try on several as well, finally asking for the team’s opinion on which one looked the best on her.

An older woman also tried on several pairs; she gave the impression that she was unable to decide. She then asked a team member, “may I have one pair for summer and one pair for fall?” The team member eagerly said, “yes, absolutely!” And with tears in her eyes, seemingly overcome by a simple “yes,” the older woman wished for health and peace over the team member.

How beautiful to be able to give a simple “yes” to someone who has probably heard “no” all too often in the last few months during the war.

Later that afternoon, the team headed to Strażów, Poland, to a hotel that is now transitional housing for Ukrainian refugees. Strażów is about 50 miles from the Ukrainian border, so it is often a first stop for refugees as they cross the border.

Underneath a covered outdoor eating area, the team

began the distribution just like earlier in the day—placing the shoes out on the table so that the individuals could see them all and select which ones they liked best.

Moms and their children came out of their rooms and began to peruse the colorful display of shoes. They casually interacted with the team after picking their shoes: a pregnant woman sharing details of when she was due, a teenage girl shyly stating that she played the piano, and a toddler constantly smiling prompting everyone else to smile.

When talking with those who have helped refugees in this location and nearby, the team often heard that the need for shoes was something that was unexpected. But story after story came in of those arriving in Poland in desperate need of clothing and shoes, including the story of one girl who arrived in Poland in galoshes because that’s what she wore the day she left Ukraine.

Day 2

Birky, Ukraine and Lviv, Ukraine

Samaritan’s Feet crossed the border into Ukraine to head towards two western cities in a safe area of the country. Passing through the countryside, the sun was shining upon the every-so-often small neighborhood tucked away in the rolling green hills.

The team would first head to an orphanage in Birky, Ukraine. It’s reported that the war has displaced twothirds of children in Ukraine (United Nations, 2022).

This orphanage recently merged with another and now housed, educated, fed, and took care of around 70 children, many with disabilities. Additionally, any and all government funding that this orphanage received now goes to the military, so resources are carefully allocated.

A gift like new shoes for everyone was a welcome treat.

As the van pulled onto the property, it was met with curious kids on bicycles, little ones pointing and smiling, and eager pre-teens ready to help carry bags. A young boy in a blue shirt, no taller than three feet, quickly jumped in to help trying to carry a duffel bag bigger and heavier than him. The bags were opened and as the shoes were revealed, smiles, bright eyes, and excited “ohhhs!” filled the tree-shaded area.

Children, and the teachers and employees, looked at all of the shoes, sorting out which were their favorites. The team helped the children find their sizes and try them on, often giving a thumbs-up or high-five to let them know how good they looked.

One girl tried on every pink pair she could find and when she finally found the perfect pair, she stood up to proudly show them off and gave a massive smile that you can only get from pure joy.

“Many of the children had very worn shoes. So today was so nice because they each got their own new shoes and they got to pick colors and are very colorful. They were all very happy,” said Oxandria, the head accountant at the orphanage.

Something simple brought delight to those children that day. They experienced a bit of comfort and happiness in the midst of chaos and unknowns. Perhaps they’ll feel it every time they look at or wear their new shoes and that sprinkle of compassion will continue on.

As the team packed up to leave, Oxandria simply said, “thank you for coming and supporting our kids and Ukraine.”

The team would now head towards the heart of city of Lviv to Lviv-Holovnyi Railway Station. This station had become a hub for those fleeing the country—individuals would ride the train from their homes throughout Ukraine to Lviv, and then take busses across the border into Poland.

The area outside of the train station was crowded with people carrying small bags and trying to determine their next steps. One man opened his bag of belongings and pulled out what appeared to be a framed photo of his mom. Just a small token of his home before he moved to another one.

There were numerous organizations with booths filled with food, clothing, medical supplies, and other resources to give to those on their journey to safety.

Samaritan’s Feet partnered with one of these organizations to give them the remaining shoes the team brought into Ukraine.

The donation of shoes included boots which would be given to Ukrainian military members who needed new, protective shoes. The assortment of athletic shoes would stay at the organization’s booth and be given to families and individuals as they arrive to the train station in their pursuit of peace.

It had been, and would be, a long trip for many of these people, so the hope of Samaritan’s Feet is that these shoes help lighten the load, even if just a little bit.

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“We were here right after the invasion. The biggest thing we do is we try to make sure that every person maintains their dignity no matter what. During a disaster, we want a person to feel like a person.”

-Christian Rodriguez

International Disaster Response Manager Convoy of Hope

Day 3

Rzeszów, Poland and Malawa, Poland

Back in Rzeszów, Poland, Samaritan’s Feet began the final distribution which would be held at a Catholic resource center. This center helps give food and various supplies to Ukrainian refugees who are now living in Rzeszów.

The shoes were once again placed on tables and sorted by size. Individuals came in and began searching and picking out shoes for themselves and their family members. Little ones, just barely taller than the table, looked wide-eyed at the bright tennis shoes.

Families took their time selecting shoes, and even called others to tell them about this new resource that was available to them. Shoes, especially new athletic shoes, were clearly a sought-after and much-needed item for refugees in the area.

Later that afternoon, the team traveled about an hour to Malawa, Poland where they would visit a beautiful Ukrainian couple now living in Poland. The couple graciously invited the team to sit at their dining room table, with homemade cookies at the center, in their temporary home.

The couple tearfully told the story of how it took them six days to travel from their home in eastern Ukraine to Poland. They showed us photos of their home with the windows now blown out. They proudly told us about their family. And they smiled as we complimented them on the amazing cookies they made us.

These two individuals were brave and had overcome so much hardship, and yet, in spite of those hardships, their compassion, was palpable.

Samaritan’s Feet hopes we showed a little bit of that same compassion during these days in Poland by giving shoes in a respectful and dignified way, while creating moments of normalcy for these refugees. And hopefully, that compassion will positively impact their journey and story.

Oxana said it best, “Ukraine is my country. I really do believe there is something more powerful than firing guns, and I think that Ukraine has that. The humanity of it all, it’s hard to accept and understand it, but there are so many other stories that haven’t been told yet.”

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Welcoming new friends with hope and a new pair of shoes so they can take the next step towards their new lives.

“These shoes are marvelous; this is the first gift [immigrants] receive as they come into the United States. After their long journeys, someone sits and shows how much they care by washing their feet. It means so much and how much they care as they begin their new journey,” said Oswald, Good Neighbors Settlement House.

The mission team was just a mile from the Mexico border. They were setting up a shoe distribution at Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville, TX for around 150 people. Those 150 people had left everything behind in Mexico in search of a safer, better life.

“These shoes are marvelous; this is the first gift [immigrants] receive as they come into the United States.

After their long journeys, someone sits and shows how much they care by washing their feet. It means so much and how much they care as they begin their new journey,” said Oswald, Good Neighbors Settlement House.

Upperclassmen from Charlotte Chistian High School were serving along the Texas - Mexico border with Sama-

ritan’s Feet and Border Perspectives, an organization that provides service-learning experiences along the South Texas border.

“Serving together with Samaritan’s Feet has been a very pleasant experience because through this action, this activity, we see many smiling faces,” said Eunice Moya, Community Partner, Border Perspectives. “Truly, my heart was filled with joy. I had an experience with a single mother who has six children. She was happy, she was crying with pleasure, she was crying with happiness, because she said her children were going to go to school and they had no shoes.”

Over the week, the team would serve around 1,000 individuals along the border, most who have just arrived to the United States. They would give these individuals a new pair of shoes—a welcomed gift, as many had traveled so far and so long by foot in search of safety and security.

Not only does the physical item of shoes mean so much to those who were served in South Texas, but the manner in which they were presented did as well. The humbling act of washing feet for these new neighbors can certainly be an incredible way to welcome them to their new home and their new life.

“I am a single mother of 8 children, and I cannot financially provide for my family. Today we feel very blessed and thank the Lord for providing shoes to our entire family,” said a mother who was served in South Texas. Another mother said, “It feels great to have a basic need like shoes provided. Thank you, Samaritan’s Feet and Border Missions, for making today happen.”

“Here in south Texas, hope is such an important message because a lot of the people here are leaving everything they have behind. They’re leaving everything they have to come here [to the U.S.]. And now they’re s omewhere they know nothing about. To them, it’s an opportunity. Their lives were in danger, their family, their children. They’ve taken a leap of faith to bring their family to a place where they feel like they can have a better life. It’s that message of hope that lets them know that no matter what it took to get here, that there’s hope for a better future,” said Jessica Simmons, Teacher, Charlotte Christian.

Many recipients told those who served them that they had walked so much recently and were so grateful for their new, comfortable shoes. Even the leadership team for Border Perspectives, a partner of Samaritan’s Feet, knew the significance a new pair of shoes could have on families.

“I grew up without shoes. My family was very humble and only bought shoes once a year for all my brothers and myself, there were 8 of us. My father was a pastor and the pastorate life is always difficult when it comes to meeting the needs of the family. But I had a warrior mother who always looked out for us so that her children had what they needed, and through her sacrifice we could obtain one pair of shoes per year. When we received that pair of shoes, per year, we were happy,” said Moya.

Many of the students serving during this trip had eyeopening experiences through their kind gestures to these strangers-now-friends. They served wanting to give back to others, but received so much in return.

“One man in Brownsville, Leroy, sat in the chair in front of me. In the middle of washing his feet, he grabbed my hand and said ‘you’re an angel. God bless you. You’ve changed my life. Thank you.’ It made me feel like I really made a difference,” said one team member, Ricki.

Another team member, Emma, said, “When I was washing a woman’s feet, she immediately began to cry. She kept saying, ‘God bless you.

God bless you.’ and thanking me for washing her feet. I don’t think she was used to be served in that way. I think that interaction gave her some hope.”

Throughout the week serving in towns like Hidalgo and McAllen, just miles from the Mexico border, the team heard countless personal stories of hardship and uncertainty. It’s during transitional times like these when hope is critical and can make such a difference in someone’s life.

Hope can give perseverance and bravery during those hardships, and optimism and joy during the uncertainty.

As one team member, Lily, said, “Hope is like gas, it keeps things running and motivated that the future can get better.”

“I am a single mother of eight children, and I cannot financially provide for my family. Today we feel very blessed and thank the Lord for providing shoes to our entire family,” said a mother who was served in South Texas. Another mother said, “It feels great to have a basic need like shoes provided. Thank you, Samaritan’s Feet and Border Missions, for making today happen.”

Meet Ms. Clara.

Ms. Clara has a gentle voice and kind spirit. She is a mom of six, with one on the way.

She has four girls, Sanare, Ivoina, Cordelia, and Maryln, and two boys, David and Jenarno. Her husband’s name is Santiago.

She smiled as she carried her younger son, Jenarno while two of her other children, Marlyn and David, ran arqound her energetically playing. Maryln’s eyes were filled with curiosity as she shyly said she loved playing with her toys. David, in a softspoken voice, revealed he loved playing with trucks, and although he wasn’t sure what he wants to do when he’s older, he knows his favorite thing to do in school is math.

Ms. Clara and her beautiful family live in Conejo Creek in Belize.

Conejo Creek is difficult to get to. It’s located in the Toledo District of southern Belize, and is just a few miles from the border of Guatemala. One must take a long, bumpy dirt road to get to this Kekchi Maya village, with jungles spilling down both sides of the road. There are no nearby shops, medical facilities, or employment opportunities.

“I love living here, but it’s very hard for us.”

Santiago does odd jobs around the area. He will often spend a half-day working somewhere and then make the journey back home. Since Ms. Clara has mostly daughters, she says only her two sons will be able to help their father work.

“I try my best to help him, but it’s not enough for our home.”

Ms. Clara’s chores and family keep her busy. When the family wakes each morning, they usually have some tea and breakfast. Then she helps the children get washed so they are ready for school.

Their home in the forest is a bit of a distance from other places in their village. The school, for instance, is about a 25 minute walk one-way. The three oldest children go to school every day, and they are very enthusiastic about saying they do. Ms. Clara walks her children to school daily, then she walks home to prepare lunch, then she walks back to school to give her children lunch, then she walks back home, then she walks back to school to pick up her children, and then she walks back home with her children.

“There is always something I need. It’s very hard for us.”

Ms. Clara said one thing they were in need of right now are books. She said her daughters need books for school, and that they were willing to stop going to school, but she encouraged them to continue in school and continue reading.

The day Samaritan’s Feet met Ms. Clara, there was a shoe distribution in their village.

Ms. Clara noted that her daughter Marlyn had the shoes she was wearing for a long time. So, they were both excited that Marlyn was getting a new pair.

Ms. Clara’s kids were able to sit and have their feet washed, giggling throughout the time. As they each had new shoes placed on their feet, Ms. Clara stood behind them with a relieved smile.

Ms. Clara is clearly proud of her sweet, beautiful family. She wanted the best for them.

“I hope they know I love them. I hope they are successful.”

A Photograph by John Doe Taken At The 2017 PHD Event

To the edges and ends in Belize Up the mountain, to the border, and over the swamp.

The Samaritan’s Feet team in Belize traveled deep, far, and wide to villages and communities which don’t often receive visitors.

And, everywhere they welcomed us.

Up the Mountain: San Jose, Toledo District Monday started with a steep trek up a long, rocky mountain road. The dull beige color of the road stood out as it was nestled between the thick green jungle surrounding it on either side. Homes and buildings with grass and palm frond roofs could be seen sheltered within the greenery. It was a slow, bumpy ride to reach the shoe distribution site, a church in San Jose village.

San Jose is a Mopan Maya village with a population of around 700. With no industry or job opportunities nearby, it’s considered one of the poorest villages in the area.

Most residents in San Jose walk everywhere (due to either rising gas prices or lack of transportation), making it practically impossible to reach the nearest town 15 miles away.

It began drizzling rain as the team pulled in beside the church. Families waited in anticipation with many mothers and grandmothers filling the wooden pews with children and grandchildren beside them and in their laps. The distribution began quietly, but ever-so-slowly, conversations and giggles began to fill the church room.

Many parents mentioned their needs, such as food and school supplies, and how difficult it was to attain these items. A six-year-old girl named Adriana was one of the 200 or so who were served in San Jose that morning.

She walked into the church barefoot, but she left proudly wearing a pair of new shoes that will protect her feet from the rocks and trash built into the road that she walks on every day.

To the Border: Conejo Creek, Toledo District Wednesday morning, the team began a journey that took them just a few miles from the Guatemalan border.

There were mountains to one side of the dusty road and palm trees to the other. Palm fronds had been laid beside the road in order to dry them so they could be used to make a roof for a home.

Every few miles, the two team vans would pass through a small village. Eventually, power lines began to disappear. It was then just miles and miles of jungle and bumpy roads. So bumpy, in fact, that one of the vans got a flat tire just as it arrived at the host church in Conejo Creek!

Conejo Creek is Kekchi Maya village next to Sarstoon-Temash National Park, a tropical forest and wetland that is home to several threatened and vulnerable animal species. The village is full of hardworking people; they have to be in order to survive. They are proud and they are supportive of one another—even helping each other build those palm frond roofs on their homes. Most of these people aren’t able to walk the long road into town, so they rely on one another for their needs.

Sounds of several turkeys gobbling could be heard outside as the shoe distribution began. Again, conversations and smiles began to fill the small one-roomed church. The team wiped and cleaned the feet of Conejo Creek residents, then placed new pairs of shoes on them, all while asking them about their family, their life, their needs, and the things that mean the most to them.

Mrs. Clara, her husband, and six children were all among the 175 served in the village. Mrs. Clara mentioned that one of her daughters, Marlyn, had had her pair of brown shoes for a very long time, so she was excited for her to have a brand new pair. They had walked for about 25 minutes from their home to the church, the same amount of time it takes for the children to walk to school each day.

And in order to get shoes or other essential items, they would have to walk or bike that same distance, plus all the way down the very same road that gave our van a flat tire.

Over the Swamp: London Bridge, Belize City On Thursday, the team traveled to south side of Belize City, the capital of Belize. Unfortunately, this area of Belize City sees a disheartening amount of gun violence, poverty, and school dropouts.

Here, there is an area known as “Jerusalem” or “London Bridges” which includes homes built upon the Krooman Lagoon. Houses in this area are connected by a network of old, shaky boardwalks, which also leads to solid ground nearby. If it rains heavily, this area can flood, restricting access to these boardwalks, homes, and solid ground.

The Samaritan’s Feet team grabbed all they could carry and carefully set out on the maze of boardwalks.

The team separated, so as not to be too much at once on the boardwalk, and to give out shoes, hygienic items, and candy to those living there. A team member would approach a nearby house, the residents would come out to meet them on the boardwalk, and they would exchange a few words and smiles, and then give them this simple gift.

One man who was given new shoes early in the day, later came out again wearing his new shoes. He was smiling and proud, quick to show us that he was already wearing them. This area doesn’t usually see a lot of positive influence, so event this modest treat was significant for him.

“You showed that you care enough to come. That you came all this way. A lot of these people think they’re forgotten, but you brought them hope that they’re not,” said Victor Hernandez, Pastor, Toledo Faith Outreach Center.

It made him feel seen—like he was somebody special.

Relief Just enough relief for thousands of families in North Carolina to take one more step.

The gym was filled with children running around and eager parents walking up to each table. Music played loudly on the sound system with giveaway announcements breaking the tunes every so often. It was a resource fair in Statesville, North Carolina with household cleaning items, food, medical assistance, and lots of new sneakers available to anyone who arrived.

“This event means a helping hand in some tough times.

It represents community building. It represents love, caring, partnership, collaboration, support, and encouragement for families. And relief,” said Bryan Duncan, Executive Director, I-CARE Incorporated, Statesville.

This event was one of many that took place in partnership with the North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA) and 13 local agencies across the state. From the mountains of western North Carolina to the beaches of eastern North Carolina, over 25,000 children, adults, and seniors received new shoes through these events.

“We understand that COVID-19 is still prevalent in all of our communities and e want to make sure that as we move from pandemic to progress that we still meet the needs of those that are in the counties we serve,” said Dr. Landon Mason, Executive Director of Economic Improvement Council, Edenton.

“We understand that COVID-19 is still prevalent in all of our communities and we want to make sure that as we move from pandemic to progress that we still meet the needs of those that are in the counties we serve.”

-Dr. Landon Mason, Executive Director of Economic Improvement Council, Edenton

Not unlike other states, the poverty rate in North Carolina has increased drastically since COVID-19, causing families and communities to continue to feel its impact. To help support families with their increasing and ongoing needs, events were held in some of the more impoverished areas of the state like Lumberton in Robeson County, which has one of the highest poverty rates of the state at 27.1%, and Enfield in Halifax County, which has a poverty rate of 25.6% (American Community Survey, 2022).

“We’re helping families impacted by the pandemic.

Families are coming through and getting much needed products. We’re giving out gas cards, fresh fruits, back to school supplies, hand sanitizers, baby products, and not to mention, nearly 30,000 pairs of shoes with Samaritan’Feet. You name it, we’re excited about it,” said Sharon Goodson, Executive Director, NCCAA. During the NCCAA event in Charlotte, a mom was seen jumping up and down after seeing the shoes her child would be getting saying, “I am so happy.” A grandma spoke to a volunteer about how times were very tough for her right now. Then she smiled big as she got a new pair of shoes for her grandson, and also for herself saying she couldn’t remember the last time she got a new pair of shoes for herself.

“Today means a lot to our students because most of them have one pair of shoes at the beginning of the school year and that’s all they are going to get. So having another pair of shoes is going to be very beneficial for them.

To see their smiles as they get their new shoes and walk out the door is all worth it,” said Cynthia Handog, Facilitator, MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support), Bruns Academy, Charlotte.

A little bit can certainly go a long way, especially for families who are still feeling the effects of COVID-19.

“This opportunity for families to get supplies, it provides a little bit of relief. It’s not eternal, but it is some relief. It’s temporary, but it may be just enough to get someone off the edge financially, it may show just enough encouragement to someone to take another step towards self-sufficiency, it may be just enough love to cause someone to stay on the right path, it may be just enough hope to cause someone not to cry today when they cried all night long, it may be just enough relief to put a meal on someone’s table tonight,” said Duncan.

Relief

Shoes are helping provide relief after natural disasters

“It’s hard to describe how devastating the tornadoes that hit Kentucky were.”

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear added, “but we’re going to get ourselves up, thanks to the help of some new shoes, and we’re going to move forward.”

In December, Samaritan’s Feet jumped into action alongside University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball Coach John Calipari. We packed a truck with over 10,000 pairs of shoes that would be distributed across five towns: Cadiz, Dawson Springs, Gilbertsville, Hardin, and Central City.

“Coach Cal is loved in this state” said Governor Beshear. So when Coach Cal called Governor Beshear to figure out what they could do to lift people’s spirits in the Western Kentucky area, without being in the way of vital cleanup, Governor Beshear was thrilled. Together with Samaritan’s Feet, they were going to give new

shoes to as many kids and adults as possible in the area, as they had just lost everything in their closets. And not only would these families and individuals receive a new pair of shoes, Samaritan’s Feet also wanted to give them a little bit of encouragement and love.

Governor Beshear recalls meeting a young boy who was living at the State Park, which was being used as a shelter for people whose homes had been destroyed. This boy had just been through a traumatic event, but when he saw those blue shoes, his eyes lit up. He stood up, smiled, and ran a lap. This kid, who just days before had been through something awful, and now he was having a pure moment of joy.

Sometimes just a little spark of hope can be a really special thing.

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“To go from disaster to areas that need an outstretched arm and say ‘I know things have been tough, but let’s see what we can do,’ that’s special.”

-Governor Beshear Kentucky Governor

A few months later, Coach Cal and some of his basketball team members decided to surprise students in the Dawson Springs community. They walked into the high school gym and the students erupted in cheers. Today was going to be a special day for everyone.

Coach Cal addressed the students, asking who had been impacted by the tornadoes, and hands went up throughout the room.

Then, a Kentucky basketball player talked to the group saying, “the hardest thing to do is find light within darkness and you guys found a way to keep pushing.”

Coach Cal and his team were there to encourage these students, to be there if they needed it. And not only did they support them through their words, they also supported through their actions as the team washed the feet of these students and gave them a new pair of shoes.

Then, in August, destructive flooding hit communities in eastern Kentucky. Families lost everything in their homes, clothing, furniture, and supplies, and were left with nothing. Samaritan’s Feet once again partnered with Coach Cal, The Calipari Foundation, and the University of Kentucky to provide 5,000 pairs of shoes to those in need in the area.

The shoes were distributed at two State Parks, the temporary home for many impacted by the floods, and the lines started forming early. Many families in line shared how they had lost everything and just had to keep putting item after item in the trash as they worked through the cleanup.

Several special guests came to serve, including Coach Calipari, Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Wildcat Hall-of-Famer Jack “Goose” Givens, and many other Kentucky athletic teams and coaches. Each of them individually washed the feet of every person they served.

It was a moment to pause and cheer on those who had experienced uncertainty and loss in the last several weeks. It was a moment to say, ‘here I am, cheering you on, just as you’ve cheered on my team for so long.’

“To go from disaster to areas that need an outstretched arm and say ‘I know things have been tough, but let’s see what we can do,’ that’s special,” said Governor Beshear.

Mmoa

An Impact that Saves Lives

What if a shoe distribution could set in motion a series of events that would eventually eradicate a disease from an entire nation, and ultimately, a continent?

Because, that’s what’s next.

Samaritan’s Feet has partnered with Sanford Health, a health system dedicated to transforming the health care experience, in part by providing shoes in order to increase the quality of life for those in need. The two organizations began their efforts together in Africa by sending a container of 15,000 pairs of shoes to Ghana.

“We partnered with Samaritan’s Feet with the goal of giving kids shoes so they don’t have the parasitic infections or foot borne diseases. That’s a really good thing, but we know we can do more on top of that because I see this is an execution strategy, too.

Teachers also validated that and said more people show up to school when they know they will get shoes,” said David Pearce, PhD, President, Innovation, Research, and Sanford World Clinic, Sanford Health.

Dr. Pearce oversees research for Sanford Health, including preparing and studying potential therapies and clinical trials. He also manages the World Clinic program, which was initially established in different countries to learn about how health care was delivered, but to also make a contribution to those communities’ unmet needs. In Ghana, in particular, Sanford Health opened up specific World Clinics for sickle cell anemia, type 1 diabetes, and infectious diseases.

“About 5% of children in Ghana are experiencing parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract. So, we partnered with Samaritan’s Feet to demonstrate that before you get a pair of shoes, you can also get a deworming medication,” said Dr. Pearce.

In November of 2021, Samaritan’s Feet and Sanford Health did their first shoe distribution in Prampram, Ghana where deworming medication was also given out. That day, around 1,600 students were walked to the Ghana Health Services building class-by-class from their schools nearby. Their first stop was the hand-washing station, where they carefully cleaned and washed their hands before moving on to the deworming station.

The students arrived at that station to receive a deworming pill, one that will help a child’s body absorb nutrients while also helping expel worms from the stomach and prevent any sort of infection. After taking the pill, they got a bag of water to wash it down.

Next, it was time for new shoes where community and Sanford Health volunteers sat in front of the students ready to serve them individually. They gently washed and cleaned the students’ feet and then placed a pair of

properly-fitting shoes on them. These shoes were special—they were World Shoes—which contain an antimicrobial to help prevent infections in the feet.

Teachers in Prampram noted that more kids show up to school when they are getting new shoes, plus the obvious benefit that the 5% of the kids with parasitic infections will be healed by the deworming pill.

“We’ve shown that we can deliver shoes and medication, such as the deworming pills. So, in October 2022 we did our first pilot shoe distribution event where we gave out the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to about 250-300 people,” said Dr. Pearce. “We’re going back to Ghana because it’s been demonstrated in the western world that if you vaccinate against the HPV virus, which has been going on for 26 years in places like the UK and Australia, that there aren’t any women with cervical cancer anymore. HPV is associated to cervical cancer and those nations with vaccines aren’t seeing any.”

The first event will serve around 250 kids with new shoes and the HPV vaccine, then in April 2023, another event will take place back in Prampram to serve around 2,000 individuals in that community. Dr. Pearce added about his experience at the shoe distribution: “They’re so appreciative of the time spent and they’re so appreciative of the shoes. They may not understand the medical piece, but there’s a degree of trust there. They’re thinking ‘ok these people are here to do some good.’ And that’s what human nature should be about.”

The ultimate goal of these events and partnership will be a larger scale delivery of shoes and the HPV vaccine so that, in 26 years time, just like with other nations, there will no woman with cervical cancer in Ghana.

“Right now in Ghana, if a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, she’s probably in stage 3 or stage 4 and there’s really not much outlook for that. Probably many women pass from cervical cancer without even getting a diagnosis. We know from the numbers it’s a large number of people who contract it, and cancer doesn’t care about what part of the world you’re in,” said Dr. Pearce.

If Samaritan’s Feet and Sanford Health can execute a successful event serving 2,000 people in one efficient day, it demonstrates the leverage of showing the ability to distribute shoes and vaccines on a larger scale. And ultimately show that Ghana is an African country embracing the idea of eradication a chronic disease, which will hopefully lead to implementing the program in other countries in Africa.

“This will save lives. This means it will save money in the health system and people can make a more valuable contribution to society. The women who participate, I think they will become champions for the cause and education, because everything like this requires education,” said Dr. Pearce. “I think we’ll be creating a new industry, not just in terms of distribution of vaccines, but a new industry in terms of advocacy of these types of medicines or approaches.”

The ultimate goal of these events and partnership will be a larger scale delivery of shoes and the HPV vaccine so that, in 26 years time, just like with other nations, there will be no woman with cervical cancer in Ghana.

The economic effect of this program in Ghana could be incredibly significant, but that’s not all Samaritan’s Feet can do to make such an impact. What if we back the entire process up? What if we create an opportunity to employ Ghanaians to create and produce the shoes that are given out in their country? What if there were micro-manufacturing facilities in Ghana that provide employment and create a more efficient supply-chain process when serving in Ghana and Africa?

That may be what’s next, too.

SHOES PROVIDE H.O.P.E. HEALTH: Shoes protect feet from contaminated soil and against diseases.

OPPORTUNITY: Shoes provide stability and the chance for a better, brighter future.

PEACE. Shoes make communities stronger as they unite and come together.

EDUCATION. Shoes allow children to go to school and be confident in the classroom.

Properly fitting shoes are more than just a clothing accessory; they can be life-changing, and sometimes, life-saving. See how a pair of new shoes directly impacted the lives of a few individuals we served around the world.

I’m able to go to school and learn because I have the required school uniform.

With protection from contaminated soil, my fear of getting sick from intestinal worms and parasites has gone down.

My feet are protected against cuts and scrapes from trash in the nearby dirt roads and fields.

SE RVE INT E RNATI O NA L LY www.SamaritansFeet.org/Missons

I can focus on learning in the classroom because I’m not comparing myself to others and seeing myself as “less than.”

I feel good about the way I look and have confidence in myself.

I can play safely outside on the playground with my friends and just be a kid.

HOST A SH OE DRIV E

www.SamaritansFeet.org/Seniors

I get to interact more with my friends and family because I can move safely around.

I feel more confident and that I can live a more comfortable, healthy independent life.

A pair of anti-slip shoes helps prevent falls and increases my mobility.

GIVE HOPE TO SE NI O R S

www.SamaritansFeet.org/Seniors

College Athletes Using NIL for Good See how five athletes are giving back to the communities who have supported them.

Recent changes to NIL (name, image, likeness) rules for NCAA athletes now allow these college athletes to accept money in exchange for using their names and images in promotions, advertisements, appearances, etc. Five college athletes decided to use these new guidelines for good: they’ve partnered with Samaritan’s Feet to give back to the communities who have supported them as athletes. Collectively, these athletes will give new shoes to over 60,000 young students across the United States and internationally.

F I V E AT H L E T E S 62,000 STUDENTS Emil Ekiyor Jr. is an offensive lineman for the football team at the University of Alabama.

Emma Goldean is a midfielder for the women’s field hockey team at The Ohio State University.

“I am humbled and honored to be the very first collegiate spokesperson for Samaritan’s Feet. It’s a wonderful organization making an impact across the globe. We plan to recruit other student athletes to get involved in their local markets. In addition, we are inviting both national and local corporations to support our efforts.”

“Although it is challenging, I am so beyond grateful and honored to be a student-athlete at The Ohio State University. Our athletic department provides so many resources for its student-athletes, and the new NIL rules have enhanced this even further. It wasn’t until I found out about Samaritan’s Feet that something clicked… something as simple as providing shoes for those in need has the potential to change the trajectory of someone’s life. I also get to be a pioneer as the first female athlete to sign an NIL deal with Samaritan’s Feet. I couldn’t have picked a better organization to align myself with.”

Ekiyor’s goal is to serve 25,000 students throughout Alabama.

21.4% of children in Alabama live in poverty.

(Census’ American Community Survey, 2019)

Goldean’s goal is to serve 25,000 students throughout Ohio.

8.4% of children in Ohio live in poverty (Census’ American Community Survey, 2019)

Isaiah Williams is a defensive lineman for the football team at Delaware State University.

“The thing that attracted me most to Samaritan’s Feet is the passion to serve.

It’s not just about giving shoes to the shoeless, it’s about giving more hope to the hopeless. Yes, the goal is to raise money on my part, but what I am most excited about is to be a part of the mission to one day have a world where no one is shoeless and to touch souls with every pair distributed, to serve the less fortunate, and to make someone’s day a little bit better. My intentions are to serve with purpose and with purposeful people, which Samaritans Feet is blessing me with the opportunity to do. I am extremely grateful and excited for what is to come.”

Williams’ goal is to serve 4,000 students throughout Delaware and Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY (Williams’ hometown).

16.4% of children in Delaware live in poverty.

(Census’ American Community Survey, 2019)

24.5% of children in Brooklyn, NY live in poverty.

(U.S. Census Bureau, 2019)

Sion James is a point guard for the men’s basketball team at Tulane University.

“I chose to work with Samaritan’s Feet because their mission aligns deeply with my core values of service and faith. I’ve always had a passion for working with kids, so I jumped on the opportunity to serve those who need extra help. Manny’s story was incredibly inspiring, and it motivated me to take action. Samaritan’s Feet combines my love for sports and my desire to serve my community into a unique mixture that can and will change the course of kids’ lives. Plus, my work will push me to walk and grow in my faith.”

James’ goal is to serve 4,000 students in the New Orleans, LA area.

30% of children in New Orleans live in poverty.

(Agenda for Children, 2022)

Luke Eberle is a forward for the men’s soccer team at Liberty University.

“This summer when I spent the day at Samaritan’s Feet packing and sorting shoes, it hit home. I knew that this was a mission and organization that I wanted to be a part of. Over the next few months, the Samaritan’s Feet staff and I were able to form a partnership with the goal of providing thousands of shoes to those who need them around the world.”

Eberle’s goal is to serve 4,000 kids in Lynchburg, (Eberle’s hometown); Haiti; South Africa; and Colombia.

21.8% of children in Lynchburg live in poverty.

(Voices for Virginia’s children, 2020)

6.3% of children in Arnold are living in poverty.

(U.S. Census Bureau, 2019)

VA;

Arnold,

MD

Simple Moments of Compassion One small moment of compassion can develop and flourish into something much bigger than that moment. You just never know. It can prompt one relieved breath, a simple smile, or perhaps it can change a life. Let’s take a look back at moments just like this in the lives of our founders, Manny and Tracie Ohonme, and see how those interactions snowballed to impact the life of a 17-year-old in Nigeria named Gabriel.

I Felt Seen Tracie’s Story

My mom was a young mother and basically left by my father, abandoned, with four young kids from ages 14 down to a toddler. She was left without electricity and a year’s worth of mortgage payments that hadn’t been paid. Imagine the survival mentality that it takes to live every day like that—to wonder how you’re going take care of yourself and take care of your children. You feel hopeless.

She could sense that I was feeling that hopelessness, too. Like most parents in the world would, my mom advocated for the needs of her children above herself. So, one of the things she got me involved in was Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. That Big Sister locked arms with me. She would take me to the movies, out to get a treat, or buy my clothes. But most of all, she told me and showed me I wasn’t alone.

I felt seen.

I think that’s what brought me hope.

Hope is essential to our wellbeing. It’s this internal engine and drive that pushes us to know there is something more, even when we know we lack or know we’re not where we want to be. This newfound feeling of hope was the thing that helped me see that I’m more than my situation and the circumstances that are around me; that I am more than the moment that I’m in. As human beings, we all have this innate disposition for wanting more.

So, I connect that to what we do here at Samaritan’s Feet: the importance of those brothers, sisters, friends, people who see you and show you that you have value in your world.

Part of why my husband Manny and I stepped out in faith to start Samaritan’s Feet was that we had been invested in by others throughout our lives. We both experienced poverty in different ways, but we also both had people locking arms with us and giving us hope for a better tomorrow. We were a product of an opportunity to give back.

The way we lock arms with others through Samaritan’s Feet is through intentional one-on-one conversations and humbly washing the feet of others. At our shoe distributions, we give the opportunity for people to serve in this way, so they can acknowledge and give dignity and honor to those we are serving. We’re all called to be a neighbor and good citizen of the world, and this is how we can do that.

We want to serve and inspire hope so that people all over the world know they are seen and they’re valued; that they aren’t forgotten and have a name.

Because I was one of those people who felt forgotten. But then someone saw me, and showed me that I, too, deserve to be treated with dignity and honor.

I Felt Like It Was a Date with Destiny Manny’s Story

I remember showing up at the park in Lagos, Nigeria as a nine-year-old to sell water and soft drinks. I saw a bunch of African children gathered together by these missionaries who were teaching them how to play basketball.

the winner will be a new pair of tennis shoes.

That place lit up. Everyone wanted to participate and everyone wanted to win. To think when your parents live on less than $1 a day, a pair of tennis shoes is like a Mercedes Benz. Imagine walking around barefoot in debris, broken bottles, and sharp metal. We all knew that having a pair of shoes was going to be life-changing, and life-saving.

They were dribbling the ball, shooting the ball, so I put down my basket of water to go join them. But because I was a street merchant, they tried to shoo me away. They were having so much fun and I wanted to be a part of what they were doing. Then, one of the basketballs rolled near a tree where I was standing. I ran and got the ball and snuck onto the court to join them.

I was one of the few who got picked to compete. I had never played basketball in my life, but the first shot I took went in. I became the first person, not just in my family, but my entire community, to own a pair of tennis shoes.

I didn’t realize that I was about to have a date with destiny.

But in retrospect, the greatest gift David gave me wasn’t my shoes. The real gift was the compassion that these shoes ignited in me when I saw the disappointment in the faces of the other kids who weren’t able to receive a pair.

We were having so much fun. In the middle of all this mayhem, this gentleman from Wisconsin, David, said we’re going to have a shooting competition and the prize for

These shoes gave me the chance to continue playing basketball which eventually earned me a scholarship to a university in the US. The shoes literally set my future into motion.

So in 2003, Tracie and I began Samaritan’s Feet with the goal of giving hope and joy through the gift of shoes to 10 million people. We set a big goal because we didn’t want anyone left out.

When we serve these individuals, we sit in front of them and wash their feet, bandage any wounds, and ask their name and dreams. We want to activate hope in their hearts to remind them that they are created for something much bigger than the shoes.

You remind them that they can do anything that they put their mind to. Who knows, I may be putting shoes on the feet of the future president of a country, a scientist to come up with a cure for cancer, or a civic leader who will eliminate poverty worldwide. We just don’t know.

Our job is bigger than providing shoes. It’s to activate and open their spirit, psyche, and soul and remind them that they can change the world.

That audacious goal to impact 10 million people around the world seems insurmountable, but everything always seems impossible until it’s done. Today, we’ve served over 9 million people and we’re looking ahead to serve that 10 millionth recipient. The reality of the kid that used to sell water and soft drinks has now been given a task and assignment to team up with people just like you to help 10 million people.

There are so many people who have helped along the way. People who invested their resources, talents, and treasures, so that together we can go impact 10 million people around the world. This is something very special. We first thought this is undoable and crazy, but now, as we approach our 20th year as an organization and our 10 millionth person served, we get to start deciding what’s next.

I Felt Released to Dream Gabriel’s Story

I’m from the northern part of Nigeria. That part of Nigeria is historically a bit less educated. My grandfather was a minister and my uncle and aunt worked in the city of Jos, where I ended moving to attend middle school and high school. And that’s also where I met Samaritan’s Feet.

My cousins and aunt were working at an orphanage for boys and I ended up serving in many ways there. The boys were my age, so we really became brothers and shared life— we laughed together, we played together, and even fought together like siblings. My parents were alive, but in reality, there wasn’t a huge difference between us. If you compared us to the rest of the world we would all fall into the category of less privileged people.

Most people around us earned very little.

Growing up in Nigeria, or other African countries, you’re not necessarily aware of the lack around you because everyone else is in your situation. You just embrace

whatever reality there is and you hope for a better tomorrow. There’s a lot of resilience. You pray that tomorrow is kinder than today.

I remember it was July of YEAR and raining cats and dogs when Samaritan’s Feet came to the city of Jos. I was 17 years old and I loved playing basketball. I met Manny and knew he was Nigerian-American and he played basketball, so we had a connection right away. I think Manny saw something in me.

Manny and Tracie were there about six days and during that time, we talked a lot. They took an interest in me and asked me a lot of questions about what I wanted to do with my life. That in itself tells a lot about who Manny and Tracie are as people and who Samaritan’s Feet is as an organization—the vision is about serving people, but it’s also about identifying people who they meet along the road.

Manny and Tracie were there about six days and during that time, we talked a lot. They took an interest in me and asked me a lot of questions about what I wanted to do with my life. That in itself tells a lot about who Manny and Tracie are as people and who Samaritan’s Feet is as an organization—the vision is about serving people, but it’s also about identifying people who they meet along the road.

a process. I thought if Manny could dream and do what he’s doing, why shouldn’t I also dream?

When they did the shoe distribution, Manny actually washed my feet and gave me a pair of New Balance sneakers. I remember the color. They prayed for me. I remember the prayer.

The shoes were important, but the service, thoughts, and conversations before, during, and after makes it something different. It takes it to a new level.

Clearly a pair of shoes in Nigeria is not the same thing as it is in the United States. Today, I own many pairs of shoes, but back then it was much more of a luxury. The majority of the population on the continent of Africa, specifically Nigeria, would rather use their limited income to purchase things like food, health, and housing rather than buying a pair of shoes.

So this was like getting a gift. More importantly, the one I had been talking with, Manny, gave me the gift and while doing so, had a conversation with me that really started

I felt released to dream.

I started asking myself a lot of questions. Where do I put the boundaries in my dreams? How can I look at my challenges as opportunities?

I ended up moving to South Africa and Manny was very instrumental in that process by encouraging me to think beyond what was familiar to me. I was serving with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) and studying online. About six months after getting there, Manny and a Samaritan’s Feet team were in Cape Town on a mission trip. He invited me to join them. Then it happened again the next year, too.

He would always ask me ‘so where are you at in your journey?’ He kept asking me ‘what’s next?’

My journey went from Nigeria to South Africa to Switzerland to Canada, where I completed my undergraduate degree, and then to Norway, where I got my master’s degree and am currently in my last year of my doctorate.

Many people say I’m unique as an African man, but I’m not unique. I think what’s unique about my story is that people along the way saw something in me, people like Manny and Tracie, and they didn’t back off.

It’s hard to remove myself from where I came from and remove myself from the people who have impacted my life. I have mentees and I have to remind them I come from a long line of men and women who invested in my life, so in a way I’m just paying it forward.

There are many boys just like me all around the world that need someone to see them not by their circumstances at the moment, but the potential that lies within them. I think that’s how we change the world.

Join us for the Journey to 10 Million Serve with us on an international mission trip, where we’ll work with incredible partners on-the-ground to give hope and a new pair of shoes to those in need.

We take care of all the details to ensure all our teams have a lasting impact in the areas in which we serve.

SE RV E IN TERN ATION ALLY www.SamaritansFeet.org/Missons

Become a Part of Something Bigger: Sole Society

Sole Society is a group of people whose consistent support of the organization empowers Samaritan’s Feet to give hope to those in need in the most efficient, reliable way. Recurring donors who give monthly or quarterly are part of this community and are all connected to one another because together, they enable our organization to connect to millions around the world.

Sole Society members are like family to the organization, and we want to make sure you know just how important you are. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be a part of something BIG. What 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.

The consistent support from Sole Society provides reliable funding that allows our organization to plan and grow.

YOU’RE GOING TO BE ENCOURAGED You’ll receive access to a password-protected site that gives behindthe-scenes 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.

BE COME A SOL E SO CI E TY ME MBE R TODAY

www.SamaritansFeet.org/SoleSociety

Volunteers Lead the Way None of these stories would be possible without our incredible volunteers around the world. Our volunteers always quickly jump at the opportunity to serve others; they jump at the chance to show kindness, in hopes that it just brightens someone’s day.

Here’s a story from one of our incredible volunteers, Rachel, on why she serves: I started serving with Samaritan’s Feet seven years ago with Elevation Church. My best friend came along with me.

I’ve continued to serve throughout the years with family and sometimes alone. I serve with Samaritan’s Feet because it’s such a wonderful organization. I grew up living in poverty and even experienced homelessness, living in a shelter in Charlotte. I know what it’s like to not have. There were many people along the way who helped my family.

I’m glad organizations like Samaritan’s Feet exist. We get to provide shoes to those in our own backyards who sometimes feel forgotten or unseen. This is truly love in action on such a deeper level.

Serving in July of 2022 stood out to me the most. I was extremely excited to hear that Samaritan’s Feet was coming to our church and the triad area would get to have such an amazing and humbling experience. The day before the event, I read John 13:5-20 about Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. I wanted to prepare myself, holistically for what God was going to do in and through me. Being able to pray over and speak life and blessings over every pair of feet I touched left me so full, but heavy at the same time. The kids were so appreciative for the socks and shoes, something many take for granted. One grandparent cried tears of joy. Another child gave me a huge hug, priceless! I even prayed for a child whose feet I didn’t even touch.

I have always wanted to go on a mission trip. In 2019, I made the decision I was going to get my passport and go on a trip in 2020. Two months after I received my passport, the pandemic happens. After a few of the trips were cancelled for various reasons, I’m now signed up for the Dominican Republic trip. I’m looking forward to my first time ever leaving the country being with a group of strangers with a servant’s heart and Samaritan’s Feet!

You get to be a light in sometimes a dark world.

When you serve, often you get more out of it than the people you serve (that shouldn’t be the reason of serving). We get to be love in action. We get to be hope.

We get to make a huge difference, in what may seem like a small way. We get to be the hands and feet of Jesus!

SIGN UP TO VOLUNT E E R TO DAY

www.SamaritansFeet.org/Volunteer

Meet our 2022 Hope Givers

CLARKE & ELIZABETH ALLEN Charlotte, NC

MIKE BRENNAN JONATHAN CHIOTT Charlotte, NC & MARTA ALVES-BRENNAN

KRISTIN GIBBAR

Overland Park, KS

Toms River, Nj

LARRY KENNEDY Charlotte, NC

SANDRA MOORE Kernersville, NC

KRISTEN KIRBY

Huntersville, NC

JULIE PETERSON KLEIN

JACOB & LINDSEY QUASNEY Brandon, sd

NIEL MEYER

Fargo, ND

NEW ALBANY, OH

SOKONI & L EILANI SCOTT

LEONARD & KIM WHEELER

Tampa, FL

WEDDINGTON, NC

Samaritan’s Feet is pleased to announce 17 Hope Givers who are using their platforms to exemplify the mission of Samaritan’s Feet. Their commitment to raising awareness and funds for the organization will inspire their communities and enrich the lives of individuals in need around the world.

This diverse group, representing medical, business, NFL, and law fields, all have a common interest of making a difference. We are so honored they have chosen to come alongside Samaritan’s Feet to give hope to others.

We always want to express our gratitude and say thank you to some of the donors, volunteers, supporters, and partners who have helped us serve so many this year:

10Million