DALLAS—Buckner International is teaming up with Texas Baptists to encourage Baptist churches across the state to collect new shoes now through July 14 for vulnerable children in the Rio Grande Valley and around the world and bring them to the first-ever Texas Baptist Family Gathering, July 14–17 in San Antonio.
“As a long-time Texas Baptist, it is inspiring to see our Baptist family join together in the spirit of the Lord to serve orphans and vulnerable children,” said Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International.
“This year’s gathering has the potential to bring about redemptive transformation in the lives of thousands around the world. New shoes are just the beginning. We are blessed and humbled to be a part of this movement.”
Last year, Buckner partnered with the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas to collect more than 3,000 pairs of shoes and 994 pairs of socks. This year’s collection is expected to benefit even more children through the generous donation of new shoes from churches affiliated with the Hispanic Convention, the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the African-American Fellowship.
Shoes collected will be sorted and packed at the Family Gathering for distribution to vulnerable children. For additional information on how a church can be a part of the shoe drive, click here.
Churches interested in volunteering will have the opportunity to place shoes onto children’s feet during Buckner’s Mission Day in the Valley Aug. 17. For more information on how to sign up for the volunteer day, click here.
UNICEF’s The State of the World’s Children reports there are 148 million orphans globally. Orphanages do not receive enough funding to support the children in their care. One of the greatest and most immediate needs is a pair of shoes. Many of the children receive one pair of shoes to last the entire year, and some don’t have shoes at all. Shoes also protect feet from many diseases and help impoverished children go to school, since most schools around the world consider shoes an essential item.
Due to customs regulations and the desire for children to receive a new pair of shoes, Buckner only accepts new shoes and socks. The greatest need is for leather or canvas athletic shoes sizes Youth 1 to Adult 7.
For more information, please contact the Shoes for Orphan Souls team at (866) 774-SHOE or e-mail [email protected].
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