How it all began

I would say our story really began in 2013.  I cleaned out my children's closets and was carrying two large bags of shoes and clothes in my trunk that I still had not dropped off at the local donation center.  With the best of intentions, I had put those bags in my car at least 2 weeks earlier, but, as single mom life has it - especially when you live in a rural area as I did at the time - donation centers are actually a planned trip!

On this particular day, my life as an itinerant teacher was calm.  I was not late between my schools and noticed those bags when I exited my car.   After my lesson with my student, I stopped by the nurse's office to ask if she could use the clothes as extras.  She welcomed the donation.  I thought I had won the jackpot because it saved me a trip to town!  When I returned to my car and pulled out the clothes, I remembered the shoes.  I still had an entire bag of shoes!  Feeling slightly defeated because my trunk wasn't empty yet, but glad that the clothes were going to be used for a good purpose, I headed back inside.  

We chatted for a moment as I dropped off the clothes, and I mentioned I had the bag of shoes in the car.  She started to cry.  I immediately thought I had insulted her somehow.  I explained that it is no big deal. I can run to town to drop these off sometime, or they can stay in my trunk a little longer.  I had no idea what was going on.   She stopped me and said, "No, that isn't it at all.  We desperately need shoes all the time."  She proceeded to tell me stories about children who came to school without shoes and how they were not prepared to handle it.  Not ONE child but CHILDREN....

This changed my donation routine.  I started donating all of my children's clothes and shoes to the schools I served.  I started asking my friends to donate their children's clothes and shoes to the school nurses.  Before I purged, I asked the nurses, "What is your greatest need?" 

In 2015, I was still traveling and loving my job.  I was still cleaning out my children's closets and donating to the nurses.  Each school had a different vibe, atmosphere, and set of needs.  Then one day everything changed again....

One particular day, I rushed into one of my schools, and the air was light.  The bliss was tangible.  I slowed down to soak it in....the parents in the office and the office staff were gleeful.  I paused as I signed in and asked about the day's specialness.  One of the ladies said, "A church adopted our school.  All of our children are getting new shoes TODAY!"  Her excitement was contagious.

I walked down the hallway and began to see the children.   There was quiet, eager chatter creating a hum, and the children were beaming.  There was a glow.  

I made it to my student, and he had not yet had his turn to receive his new shoes.  I rescheduled.  

As I left the building and the overflowing joy behind, I spoke to God in the quiet parking lot.  I told Him, somebody needs to do that in Pelion.  

Before I made it to my car, it was very much impressed on me that I should do it.  As every person in their right mind would do, I said, "Absolutely not."  I do not have time for that.  I tried to carry on my day, but God would not let it go.  Matthew West's song played each time I got in my car...you know the one..."Do Something."

That song wasn't playing on the radio often anymore. BUT that day... that day, I heard it at least 5 times over the next 3 hours.  Then I ended my workday and arrived home.  I continued praying about the shoes.  I made a deal with God, because, again... that is just what you do!  I said, "If the principal agrees and if my church backs me, I will do it."   Well, God...

Since 2016, we have gifted nearly 20,000 pairs of sneakers!