Darlene has done it all. From assisting at the Turkey Trot to traveling on a domestic mission trip to volunteering at our Barefoot Gala, Darlene is an incredible partner and volunteer. Read below to learn a little bit about why a pair of shoes in 1959 keeps her serving with Samaritan’s Feet today. Thank you, Darlene, for all you do!
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: DARLENE
One of my hardest times as a child was the Canadian winter of 1959. My parents could not afford boots for my sister and me, so my mom got us each a pair of plastic rain boots that pulled up over your shoes. It was held on by a little elastic loop, pulled to one side. It looked cute, but it was an epic fail on the first day. The cold froze the plastic so the shoes broke right through the plastic, from the heel forward, filling our shoes with snow and slush. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.
SO, ASSISTING IN PROVIDING NEW SHOES TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE IS A BLESSING.
I believe a good deal of our population have become immune to the needs of others. It is a terrible thing to see a teenager in South Dakota wrapping his feet daily with duct tape because he does not have shoes.
Samaritan’s Feet provides valid information outlining this very need within the United States and internationally. Not only do they educate others on the physical need, but also the medical need to prevent terrible diseases that millions are currently suffering from or eventually prone to by not having their feet covered. Many know nothing of this form of suffering.
KNOWLEDGE BRINGS CHANGE. CHANGE BRINGS ACTION. ACTION BRINGS IMPACT.
I love doing shoe distributions and seeing the girls get their favorite-colored shoes and the boys getting the “fastest shoes” ever. I enjoy dressing up and meeting new people, so volunteering at the Barefoot Gala is great fun to me. I also love sharing the ministry of Samaritan’s Feet with friends.
My first ministry trip with Samaritan’s Feet was to Cape Town, South Africa where we had the opportunity to go to several schools. I was a well-dressed clown complete with multi-colored hair who the children just loved to see and touch, except for a set of 5-year-old twin brothers. They were frightened and crying. Their teacher asked if I could speak with them which I did, and within minutes they were smiling and happy.
I continue to serve with Samaritan’s Feet because of friends who stepped out in the Lord to make a change in so many lives. Every improvement, increase, expansion, and answer to prayer has been so exciting and encouraging to see.
THANK YOU DARLENE FOR YOUR HEART AND WILLINGNESS TO SERVE. SAMARITAN'S FEET IS SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU!
