PHS Scribe Society Collecting New Shoes for Orphans

A simple pair of children's shoes may not look powerful, but they can make a big difference in the lives of orphans around the world.

The Scribe Society is teaming up with Buckner International to ask Perry County residents to collect shoes for children in need. The 10th annual nationwide "Shoes for Orphan Souls" shoe drive is seeking to collect more than 250,000 pairs of new shoes, socks and shoestrings, with a nationwide campaign. Since 1999, Buckner has sent more than 1.9 million pairs of new shoes to at-risk children in the United States and in more than 68 other countries around the globe.

Mrs. Heather Baskin, sponsor of The Scribe Society, said, "We hope that with the support of area churches, retailers and civic groups, we can help Buckner reach their goal and make this life better for children."

Shown above are members of the Scribe Society during a work session to make posters and drop boxes. They are (seated) Mrs. Heather Baskin; (standing from left) Ashley Hotop, Jennifer Phillips, Kelsey Bert, Adam Thieret, Mia Pohlman, and Olivia Duvall.

"We have seen the smiles that a new pair of shoes brings to children in the orphanages we visit, and we want to extend that same joy to others like them," said Rachel Garton, director of Shoes for Orphan Souls. "Because of the Scribe Society's commitment to this program, we can continue to increase the number of kids who will benefit."

"Millions of children reside in orphanages throughout our world," Garton said, "and those orphanages are not receiving enough money to care for the children's most basic needs, like shoes and socks."

An unexpected benefit of donating new shoes is the sense of satisfaction on the part of the person who gives. "At Buckner, we say new shoes are good for the soul -- yours and theirs," Garton said. "A person who gives can't help but feel as though they also have received a great gift."

Donated items should be for children and teens and due to customs regulations, shoes and socks need to be brand new. For those preferring to make a cash donation, $25 will buy a new pair of shoes and cover distribution costs.

Garton emphasized no donation is too small. "Most of the donations to the shoe drive have come from families giving one or two pairs of shoes. Every one pair of shoes makes a big difference to the child that receives them." You can drop-off shoes at Perryville High School's lobby or library from Monday, February 22 to Friday, March 5.

Locally, volunteers are being sought to coordinate a shoe drive at their church, business, school or within a civic organization. Volunteers are also needed to travel to Colonias on the U.S/Mexico border, or to countries including Mexico, China, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Kenya, Ethiopia, Latvia, Romania and Russia to help distribute the shoes and socks.

For more information about the drive and volunteer opportunities, call toll-free 1-866-774-SHOE or visit www.shoesfororphansouls.org.