Judy and LeRoy Wilson from Oregon City, Oregon, have been volunteering in assisted living facilities for nearly 20 years through leading Sunday services at two facilities, Meadows Courtyard and Gilman Park.
After hearing about The Shoe That Grows , Judy was inspired to use The Shoe as a project for the individuals who attend the church’s services.
Judy and LeRoy’s interest in The Shoe That Grows is personal. “My husband’s brother spent time in Africa and saw firsthand the health problems arising from a lack of appropriate footwear,” Judy explains, “We’ve sent money over the years to my brother-in-law to help cover doctor’s bills for people suffering infections from walking barefoot.”
For the residents they work with, Judy and LeRoy felt supporting shoes was something small enough to be attainable for the folks they serve who are on fixed and limited incomes. And they have been overwhelmed with the response!
Each week for a year and a half, Judy has reminded the groups of seniors about the fundraiser and to bring what they can. Oftentimes it’s only fifty cents or a dollar, but the combined gifts add up. With every thirty dollars raised, Judy sends a money order to Because International.
The residents are thrilled to hear reports that their gifts have provided another pair or two of shoes to families around the world—kids that they won’t ever meet but to whom they can show love to fifty cents at a time.
The small gifts have become larger than Judy could have anticipated. To date, the two groups of about 15 givers have purchased 124 pairs of shoes to be distributed. The sacrificial giving of what they can, where they can, truly demonstrates the power of small acts to make a huge difference in the lives of those living in poverty.
“It has been a blessing for us to spend time with the seniors and to witness their generosity,” Judy said.
And we couldn’t agree more! Join us in our work to alleviate poverty and provide opportunities for empowerment for kids and families around the world. Gifts of any size—when we all work together—make a tremendous difference for those in need!
