Each year volunteers and sponsors from the United States, Canada and Mexico provide new tennis shoes, sox, toothbrushes and toothpaste for over 1,000 poor kids in Mazatlan and the colonias (neighborhoods) surrounding Mazatlan. Additionally, last year we expanded to several large poor colonias in Central Mexico and Puerto Vallarta.
In November, December and January, we draw footprints of the children from the existing nine feeding centers and several new colonias close to Mazatlan.. Mission teams and long or short term vacationers turn out to help with the fun of measuring small and not so small feet. This year mothers from several colonias will receive chips to redeem their child’s shoes at the local shoe stores.
Everyone becomes a part of this large project: individuals, groups, churches, and teams, as well as many individuals who participate through the local English paper –“The Pacific Pearl”. Then, in February and March we deliver the shoes or chips to the kids. Again, many volunteers are active in “The Shoes Are Here” day. This is a time of special blessing not connected with Christmas.
Ways people can participate:
1. Groups can get shoe prints from us and they can then buy the Tennis Shoes to match along with shoe stuffers and other “goodies”. (Candy not included please) They can bring them with them into Mazatlan. Note: You MUST have receipts for the new shoes and each person cannot bring in more than $300 in value. Shoes must be spread out among the suitcases.
2. Groups and individuals can bring in various sizes of new boys and girls tennis shoes. We will match those shoes with footprints.
3. Get a shoe print from Pacific Pearl and purchase shoes and goodies for one child ……or more!
4. Several groups participated this year in a new local program. They provided funds to purchase the shoes at a local store or to purchase the chips for redemption by the mothers and their children. (actually there are 6 stores in this local store chain …all in Mazatlan) where we receive a substantial discount. There are several significant advantages to this choice: (1) there is no longer the worry of getting new shoes through customs, (2) the shoes that do not fit can be quickly and easily exchanged, (3) the kids have more choice in the kind of shoes they receive.
5. Also, you can make a child smile with a shoe bag this Christmas by donating $20(US) per child to the Vineyard and designate it for the “Make a Child Smile” program. Send your contribution to the USA address found by clicking HERE; we’ll send you a tax receipt. If you or an organization would like to sponsor several children, contact our Mexico office in Mazatlan by clicking HERE. So you see, there is something here for every sponsor–our many volunteers, groups sponsoring whole colonias or a few children with funds or shoes brought in, and those who just come to play and hug each child!!!
Note from Shoe Program Coordinator
April 11, 2007
I personally would like to thank all of YOU who have been so very generous with your time, money and for providing over 1,200 pair of new shoes to the very needy children this year alone. YOU made it possible for us to include three new colonias in Mazatlan and two new large colonias in Central Mexico. So many of YOU volunteered your time:
- matching the shoes,
- bringing 100’s of small toys, games, crayons, books etc,
- packaging the shoes and goodies,
- measuring feet
- delivering the shoes
- sewing colorful cloth shoe bags and
And, a special thank you for:
- all the shoes purchased and paid for by YOU.
I heard “how can I help” over and over each week!!!! The smiles on the kids faces say it ALL!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
In His service together,
Barbara Mitchell, Coordinator “Shoe Program”