RRSpin - Sole to soul: Samaritan's Feet visits Weldon Elementary

Thursday, 25 May 2017 15:08

Sole to soul: Samaritan's Feet visits Weldon Elementary ^Featured

Written by Lance Martin

Rate this item

(6 votes)

A volunteer helps a child with new shoes this morning. rrspin.com

Helping to shod the soles of elementary school students in Weldon brought a lift to the souls of the volunteers assembled there this morning.

“I like the smiles on the kids’ faces,” said Mary Lewter, who with other members of the Chaloner Senior Club came to Weldon Elementary School to provide new shoes through Samaritan’s Feet, a worldwide nonprofit based in Charlotte. “I like to hear them say, ‘hey, it feels good,’ and them just smiling. I think it’s been a great thing to do.”
Samaritan’s Feet brought 500 pairs of shoes to the school today, said Phil Campbell, regional director of operations. “Every event we do is sponsored,” he said, before giving the volunteers instructions on their specific duties.
They ended up giving away 400 shoes. A check will be made of students who were absent.
“Today was absolutely amazing,” Campbell said. “All the volunteers have a story to tell.”
As word got out about was going on at the school, Campbell said many other people, including school board members and the mayor came out “to see it for themselves.”
The shoes brought to Weldon were sponsored by the Foundation of the Carolinas.
In its 15 years, Samaritan’s Feet has given 6.5 million shoes to children, Campbell said.
They have visited nearly 400 cities across the nation and almost 80 countries across the world.
The organization is not only about shoes, Campbell said, “It’s a message of hope to dream big dreams. All their dreams all possible with a good education.”

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://rrspin.com/archives/item/14897-sole-to-soul-samaritan-s-feet-visits-weldon-elementary.html#sigProIdbabfad0238

Terry Alston, the Title I, parent involvement coordinator and public information officer for Weldon City Schools said the visit by Samaritan’s Feet was set up through Senator Angela Bryant and her friend, Chuck Byrd, a volunteer with the organization. “We felt like it was something that could help the parents.”
A diverse group came to help distribute the shoes, wash the children’s feet if they chose to do so and fetch the many shoes and socks Campbell brought with him.
Parent volunteers and school board members stood beside Weldon police officers and members of its fire department. The Chaloner Senior Club worked with members of Valley Community Church, Mount Olive Baptist Church and Weldon cheerleaders.
“We live in Northeastern North Carolina, which is most economically challenged,” Weldon police Chief James Avens said. “I hope to see some happy faces on the children and the volunteers derive a true a sense of giving back.”
Marquie Clements, home for summer break from Wake Tech, where he plays basketball, was excited for the opportunity. “I definitely like giving back to the kids. I feel like they’ll enjoy it.”
As the children came in, many greeted Clements with waves and smiles, which he happily returned.
After he washed the feet of three children and put socks and new shoes on them, he said, “I enjoyed it. I feel like they’re happy.”
For Avens, the time volunteering, “Was just a great feeling, seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces. Brightening up a little kid’s day is always a fulfilling experience.”
While some of the children were shy, Avens said, “You could tell they were thankful.”

Read 4561 times