Shoes for Haiti's Kids

SHOES HAVE ARRIVED IN HAITI!

2011-11-09T17:40:00.004-05:00

Ria purchasing shoes for $5 and $7 dollars!

Thank you to our generous donors and a team going from the Orlando area, we were able to purchase several hundred pairs of brand new shoes! The team from Orlando is in Haiti this week distributing them to the children. The shoes will first go to the Orphans so that they are able to attend school and then to others in need. The team was able to take the shoes in their suitcases and therefore saved us shipping costs. We are so grateful to those who sent shoes, financial donations and those who keep us in prayer. We will continue to get shoes to the children of Haiti as long as we receive donations. God has provided for us over and over again and even though we have not been able to make the trip ourselves, we are so thankful for those who are willing to take them to Haiti for us and distribute them. I am eager to hear from the team when they get back and post pictures of the kids with their new shoes! God bless you all for your generosity to the children of Haiti!

Touch someones life today!

More shoes needed!

2011-06-05T23:05:00.002-04:00

I have received news that all the shoes that have been donated have been given to those children who have needed them the most. I get calls and emails asking for more shoes. We sent out boxes and boxes of shoes in January and again in March and they have all been distributed to the kids in need. We have not been able to travel to Haiti ourselves but have been able to ship them. They all arrived safely and now we are getting calls and emails asking us to send more. Please consider purchasing some brand new shoes, sneakers, or athletic shoes. We can use them in any size, any style, boys or girls, from kindergarten age through high school. Girls sizes 8-10 are desperately needed at this time. Bettie has been in Haiti several times and has overseen the distribution along with her grandson Chad. They now have another orphanage along with all the schools that they support. Please consider purchasing a pair of shoes or possibly having your women's group, sunday school, family reunions collect shoes for the children of Haiti. I know that the needs are great and so many of the children in Haiti walk around barefoot without shoes where they are prone to cuts, burns and infections. Your donation of a new pair of shoes will make a difference to a child in Haiti........please help us. All donations can be sent to New Hope Ministries address located on the blog. Thanks so much!

Touch someones life today!

Shoes for the Orphans and update..........

2011-02-04T18:07:00.003-05:00

Thank you to Bettie Snyder and Darlene for bringing shoes to the children at United Hearts Orphanage in Haiti We currently have been shipping shoes to Haiti over the last few months. We made another shipment on shoes last weekend. We have been trying to get as many shoes to Haiti as possible. We have made the decision to send the shoes when we are able to ship a few hundred at a time to our people in Haiti. They have been distributing the shoes to those who are the most needy. I am so grateful to people like Darlene and Betty for putting the shoes on the feet of the orphans. Thank you to all of you who have continued to support this ministry with shoes and finances. God Bless you all.

An urgent email from Haiti

2010-09-29T11:38:00.002-04:00

This morning I opened my email to find an urgent message from my friend, Bettie Snyder, in Haiti. She said there is an urgent need for shoes. The children have started school and many need shoes. Shoes for Haiti's Kids currently has boxes full of shoes in place for them to use in Haiti! Thanks to all of you who have helped make it possible for the children of Haiti to get a pair of brand new shoes!!!! Will post pictures when I receive them. Our "shoe room" in our home is starting to fill up with more shoes, we will continue to box them and when we fill 4 or 5 large boxes, we ship them right to Haiti. Donations of brand new shoes only please or finances to buy shoes are greatly appreciated........New Hope Ministries address for donations is posted on the blog. God bless you for your generosity!

Touch someones life today!

Hendersonville Connection!!

2010-09-29T11:12:00.005-04:00

Another big thank you to Christine who collected 99 pairs of BRAND NEW shoes for the children of Haiti! She has been such a blessing to Shoes for Haiti's Kids! This is the 3rd time she has collected shoes with the help of donations from her church group and friends. It's the kindness of people like Christine and her husband John, that keep this ministry able to help the children in Haiti. Thank you Christine for all your hard work and to all of those who donated the shoes and finances...........we are boxing up the shoes today, getting them ready for shipping.

Touch someones life today!

The Lyons Family

2010-09-15T21:34:00.005-04:00

Frank and I were invited by the Lyons Family to come over to their summer home for "something special". When we arrived we were seated in our special chairs.......... The kids came out and started singing....." there are people in the world that are less fortunate, we need to give them guidance so they can grow." Then the chorus "shoes are the key, helps you and me. Haiti is a country we need to see". Verse 2 "we hear the news, tragedy that brings the blues. We need to choose to help!". After they finished their song and dance they presented us with a baggie full of bills and loose change...........around $51.00 worth of allowances, money they earned doing chores, etc. We were so blessed by the generous hearts of these kids! Thank you Lyons Family for giving to the needy children of Haiti!!!

We are making plans for our next trip to Haiti........we will either go in November or possibly we will wait till February. We are praying and asking God to show us the best time to go. In the meantime we are continuing to ship shoes to Haiti as they come in. Thank you to all of you who have sent brand new shoes and finances to New Hope........remember, all your financial gifts are tax deductible. BRAND NEW SHOES ONLY PLEASE!

Touch someones life today!

READY FOR SHIPPING

2010-05-05T10:42:00.006-04:00

The last few weeks we have been buying shoes and sorting them and getting them ready for shipping. We were able to send out 155 pairs of shoes and they are on their way to Haiti. Please help us to send BRAND NEWS SHOES to those who need them. We are currently collecting sneakers, sandals, flip flops, any type of casual shoes. When you go shopping, please think of the kids in Haiti......they walk through very rough terrain, dirt, garbage and if they have on a pair of shoes it will protect them from getting cuts or infections on their feet.

Thank you to Carla for collecting all those shoes she is laying on!!! Great job Carla and the Adventist Pediatric Rehab Center!!!

We will continue to ship shoes as we receive them and in November, 2010 we will return to Haiti to help distribute the shoes to those in need.

Touch someone's life today!

Trip to Haiti, March 30-April 4, 2010

2010-04-07T11:59:00.005-04:00

We just returned from our 5th trip to Haiti with "shoesforhaitiskids.com We carried in suitcases full of shoes and the main purpose of this trip was to find out how we could help the most when we take our trip in November 2010. Our daughter in love, Amy, was able to go along with Frank and I this time so that she could visit with her new Haitian daughter. It was great for us to have her with us so that she also could experience the people and the country that we have fallen in love with. On one of our days traveling around we saw many tent cities, kids alone on the streets, people waiting in lines and people selling their wares. We also stopped at a clinic and were able to see the work they were doing there with the sick and injured and they also were doing some dental work. As we walked through a market we could see that some things are back to normal, they are selling fruits, vegetables, soda's, clothing, etc, all were available if you had the money. We were able to go to 2 orphanages where there were makeshift hospitals set up. At one of the orphanages, there were tents out front with workers who were helping and also the group YWAM was there and everyday they went out into Port au Prince helping those in need, feeding, construction, cleaning up, etc. We saw many from all around the world helping the people of Haiti. At the orphanage in Port au Prince I was able to spend some time with Sophie, a 14 year old that has made her way into my heart. She was busy with the women in the back hand washing loads of clothes from all the kids in the orphanage. When she saw me looking face to face and then I looked into her eyes, well, her face lit up and her smile, well, that said it all! She loves our visits together even though it is so difficult to communicate and every time we go to Haiti we always try to stop and see her. There are 6 other orphans girls that we also visit each time.......they are so much fun and they really enjoy it when we play, "put your right foot in, put your right foot out"....... By the end of the song we are all laughing so hard! They are such a blessing!

We will continue to collect BRAND NEW SHOES over the summer for the kids of Haiti. If you would like to donate shoes or finances, please send to the NEW HOPE address located on the side of the blog. Please help us any way that you can. Thank you so much, together, we can touch lives!

Touch someones life today.

News from Haiti.......

2010-03-31T21:21:00.002-04:00

We arrived safely in Haiti, we drove through a small part of Port au Prince and saw the buildings that were flattened. As we drove into the countryside, there were "tent cities" scattered here and there. So many people living outside of their homes. We also stopped by a hospital and were able to pray for a young girl there. We have delivered the shoes and they will be distributed as needed.

Tomorrow we will travel around for the day and see how the people are living and what their needs are. SFHK's wants to do what we can to help those who so desperately need help. We will continue to collect shoes and plan another trip for the fall of '10. The needs are so great, we have met police from Chili who are here for a year training the police force here. We have also met a dentist and she has been able to help many children with their dental needs this week. There are so many people here who just want to help the people of Haiti and I am so grateful for what they are doing.

Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers.

Touch someones life today!

Our suitcases are packed with shoes!

2010-03-28T17:43:00.004-04:00

On Tuesday, March 30 my husband Frank, my daughter in love, Amy, and myself will leave with our suitcases loaded with shoes!!! This trip will be a 2 fold blessing, bringing shoes to the kids and meeting a precious 6 year old girl named Dora who will be a part of our son, Frank and his wife Amy's family and will be our granddaughter.

We are so excited to be going so that we can see first hand what has happened since the earthquake after our last trip in Nov. 09. I know that the needs are great there and we just want to go and see for ourselves how we can help. Our plan is to carry as many shoes as we can in our suitcases.

We are so anxious to meet Dora and spend some time with her and get to know her. We also are going to try to buy some rice to hand out to those who are in need. Please keep us in your prayers.........March 30 to April 3,2010. Thanks so much. Hope to be able to post some pictures on our blog while we are there. God Bless!

Touch somebody's life today!

Jacob.....how can we help the kids in Haiti?

2010-03-25T12:03:00.003-04:00

When one 3rd grader in West Virginia named Jacob heard about the earthquake and kids in Haiti needing shoes, he went to his 3rd grade teacher, Ms Scollick and his guidance counselor, Mrs, Frazier and said "can we help?" The class had often talked about how they needed to "put themselves into someone else's shoes" during some of their lessons and this was an opportunity to do just that. Mrs Frazier also mentioned it to one of the other 3rd grade classes and together they began to make a plan.

At both of the schools they began collecting money and for every dollar they collected, they would put up a "paper shoe" on the wall. Mrs. Frazier said that the kids brought in loose change and dollar bills and between those two 3rd grade classes, they have collected $846.83!!!! What can one person do????? Jacob, he saw a need and he wanted to make a difference. That money will go to purchase shoes for the children of Haiti and its because of Jacob, his teacher, his counselor, Mrs Frazier who got in touch with Shoes for Haiti's Kids, that the kids in Haiti will be walking around in a new pair of shoes! Thank you Jacob and all the 3rd graders, you are the ones who will put the smiles on the children of Haiti ..........MERCI!!!!

Touch someones life today!!!

HAITI IS ALWAYS ON MY HEART......

2010-03-19T01:11:00.008-04:00

Haiti is always on my heart. I continue to see the pictures of the "tent cities" and today I saw a picture of children in a classroom under a large tent. I looked to see if they were wearing shoes, could barely tell but saw what looked liked sandals on one child and sneakers on another. I wondered about the other children. I am so happy to see those children, under a tent, still able to get an education, even during these difficult times. Our friends, Bettie Snyder & Pastor Nancy Hart just returned from a trip to Haiti a few weeks ago. They were able to carry in some of our shoes and we are so grateful for that. Bettie, who has lived in Haiti for many years was so heartbroken by the devastation that she saw. Bettie and her son Phil Snyder from Glowmi.org have been feeding 5,000 a day. They have taken on several of the "tent cities" and become responsible for feeding them daily. Our heart is to work with them and get as many pairs of shoes to them as soon as possible. Thousands of pairs of shoes are needed and we want to help with as many as we can. We are not a big ministry and we don't have the "deep pockets" that so many large ministries have today. My husband and I are retired and just want to do what we can to help the people of Haiti and this shoe ministry is what we feel that God has called us to do. We are currently collecting BRAND NEW sneakers, sandals, flip flops, etc. We also are working on ways to ship or carry in the shoes to Haiti. If you can help us with the cost of shipping......that would be a great help to us. We have always trusted God to meet every need that we have and He has always provided through His people. We may be taking a trip to Haiti in April to go and see what the needs are and how we can best help. If you can help us by purchasing shoes or sending a financial donation......we would be so grateful. 100% of your finances goes to buying shoes and shipping. The people of Haiti desperately need our help......... Thank you so much....Merci

You will find the address where you can send donations or shoes on the right.

Check out our video on our blog......
Touch someones life today!

SHOES FOR HAITI'S KIDS VIDEO

2010-02-08T11:36:00.003-05:00

HOW CAN YOU HELP.........

Haiti.......since the earthquake, my heart has been heavy for the people. Having been there, seeing the people, passing out shoes, feeding the hungry, makes me want to just go and help anyway that we can, Haiti is constantly in my thoughts. Right now we are collecting BRAND NEW SHOES and flip flops, as many as are donated. We need hundreds more, thousands really but we want to take as many shoes to the hurting people of Haiti as possible. I know what the streets are like, the concrete, the dirt and the rocks, they desperately need shoes to keep them from cuts, bruises and anything that may cause them infection. We would like to help the orphans there, many without shoes, also the kids living on the streets, receiving a new pair of shoes would give them hope, it would let them know that they are loved and cared for. If you belong to a church, school, organization, club, chapter, neighborhood, could you help us by collecting BRAND NEW Shoes, sneakers, flip flops, sandals for the adults & children of Haiti. We really need your help. The NEW shoes can be any size, style, male or female, boy or girl.......no dressy shoes, heels, or boots please. Just sneakers, sandals, flip flops or casual shoes. Maybe you can only give one pair.....it will change the life of that one person. Some of you may be able to give 10, 20, 50, or 100 pair. Whatever you could do to help us would be so appreciated. Soon we will begin to ship the shoes to Haiti. I am believing God for a way to get them there that will not be costly. He has done it again and again, once we sent them on a school bus that went to Haiti, no cost to us, another time we shipped them in a container with some food that was going over, no cost to us......One thing I know, He always provides. God asks us to help the orphans, the fatherless, the widows and the poor. Please continue to pray for them, for food, water, shelter and just basic needs. If you would like to give a financial donation, we are able to buy shoes at minimal costs, please send a tax deductible check to New Hope Ministries, address posted on the blog. 100% of your money goes to purchase shoes, my husband and I take nothing for ourselves. We are a small ministry but we are making a difference. We have handed out over 2,000 pairs of shoes, feed hundreds rice, beans, bread and water. Please help us to do what God has called us to do......together we can touch so many lives in Haiti.

Many of you ask about gently used shoes, since the beginning of this ministry we have always wanted to give God's best. We never wanted to give the kids from Haiti leftovers but brand new shoes that were bought especially for them. Also we keep the shoes in our home, we don't have a warehouse or storage unit.......costs money. We have a "shoe room" set aside in our home and can you imagine if it was filled with "gently used shoes"........I have smelled some of our sons shoes....even from a distance! Check out those clearance racks, end of season sales, outlet sales.....when you see a pair of shoes, please remember the poor in Haiti, wish you could see their faces when they are given a NEW pair of shoes...... There is nothing like it! Thank you for your kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness for the desperate, poor and needy of Haiti. God sees your heart, ask Him what you can do............

Touch someones life today!

HELP US TO HELP THE HELPLESS........

2010-01-19T23:51:00.009-05:00

We are continuing to see the crisis in Haiti unfolding. As we watch we see so many barefoot children & adults and tonight I saw a girl with flip flops that didn't even come to her heels. With all the rubble, concrete, and dirt, the people are even more open to cuts, bruises, scraps and infections. We are asking you to consider collecting BRAND NEW shoes, athletic shoes, sneakers and also we are adding flip flops for this time. They can be any size from children to adult, male or female, any style.

Many people now are in Refugee camps, without much water or food. We are also trying to help www.Glowmi.org purchase food and water, they have been there for over 30 years and really are making a difference. On Sunday they fed 500 people in one of the camps. Today they took equipment to build latrines and also gave them a 1,000 gallon water tank that they will refill when necessary.

Our desire is to do what God has called us to do but we need your help. Please talk to your school, your church,your clubs and ask if they could help purchase shoes. We will do what we can to help alleviate the suffering in Haiti. May God bless you for your kindness, I know the ones who get the shoes will say "merci"

Thank you to a church in Humble, Texas for 138 pairs of shoes! We hope to have them on their way to Haiti in the next week or so. We are so grateful to you all!

The 100 children in Port au Prince Orphanage are safe! They ran out to the field and laid down on the ground. We are so thankful for each one of them! Praise God!

TOUCH SOMEBODY'S LIFE TODAY!

Thanks for caring........

2010-01-15T12:22:00.003-05:00

Thank you for all the phone calls and e-mails regarding this earthquake crisis in Haiti. We at"shoesforhaitiskids.com" are busy collecting shoes and finances to help with the work in Haiti. Your donation of shoes and finances are desperately needed. We hope to continue to hear from you with ways that you want to help those who are homeless and hurting. Please help, we will do what we can to help with those that are suffering in Haiti. Financial gifts are needed for food and water. God Bless you as you give.

Send all shoes or finances to the address listed on the side. Also, please check out www.glowmi.org They are a great ministry and have sent someone today that will help with those who need it so desperately.

TOUCH SOMEBODY'S LIFE TODAY!

DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI

2010-01-13T22:58:00.005-05:00

Disaster once again has hit the country of Haiti. As we sat and watched the news, I began to recognize some of the streets and buildings that I had seen on my trips there driving through Port au Prince. Seeing the people sitting on a pile of rubble that once was their home made my heart sick. People everywhere with no place to live, no bed to sleep in and no possessions left of the few that they had. There are no bathrooms, no food or water and 2 hospitals also collapsed leaving the city with limited medical facilities and thousands of people with no where to go. They are sleeping on the streets, walking over dead bodies and many looking for their loved ones. I have seen men holding their children in their arms with just a horrendous look of pain on their face. We have visited 2 different orphanages there in Port au Prince and now we are waiting to hear what happened to all those children. One had 100 kids and another around 38. There is no word yet as to whether those children are safe or not. I am asking for your help. They desperately need food and water and we at Shoesforhaitiskids.com wants to help any way that we can. If you would like to donate money for food or water, or if you would like to collect BRAND NEW shoes or flip flops, please send them to New Hope Ministries, address is listed on the side of the blog. If you can help financially, please MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO NEW HOPE MINISTRIES, with a note on the memo line if you would like us to use the money for food or to purchase shoes. God bless you for your help, without you we wouldn't be able to provide food or shoes for those who are suffering in Haiti from this devastating earthquake.

TOUCH SOMEBODY'S LIFE TODAY!

Good News!

2009-12-04T17:32:00.000-05:00

This little girl didn't have a pair of shoes to match.....that's how much she wants an eduction........

We were able today to ship 124 pairs of shoes to Haiti through someone in West Palm at a reasonable rate. They will be delivered to an orphanage in Port au Prince and then taken to Kalico where they will be distributed to the children there who don't have any shoes. We are so thankful for all of those who gave shoes or finances to buy them. Without your help......... Thanks so much!

After the holidays we will begin again to gather more shoes for the kids in Haiti. If you see sneakers (no canvas please, they do not hold up in haiti) on clearance, any style sneakers, any size from child to adult, please remember the kids in Haiti. They desperately need shoes. It could mean a chance at an education, maybe their first and only pair of shoes they have ever had in their lives. Lets make a difference!

God bless you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!!!!

Touch someones life today!

Reflections of our time in Haiti

2009-11-26T20:12:00.001-05:00

As we celebrated Thanksgiving we were reminded of all the things that we are so thankful for....our children, grandchildren and those that God has placed in our lives. We continue to reflect on our time in Haiti......those that were hungry, those who needed desperate medical attention, children with no shoes, some no clothes, and many that were not attending school. That is why we left the shoes that we had brought with us with the principal who will be able to give them to those who need them in order to go to school.

We were told about a woman who's husband borrowed money and he went off to the Dominican to get a job. The men to whom he owed the money came and locked up the wife and her 6 children in their tiny little home, in that unbearable heat, but someone went and got them out and we were able to send some rice over to the family. I sat next to an 10 year old girl and she showed me some blood on her shirt up by her shoulders, as she pulled her shirt off her shoulder I saw 2 "holes" in her shoulder where she had been beaten. My heart sank for that precious girl and prayed for her that God would protect her and get her out of that place. Her parents had died and was left with an aunt & family. The principal of the school was given money to take her to a clinic. We saw some children and adults that were so thin and one little girl who suffered with malnutrition.....as are many others.

We will continue to do what God has called us to do in Haiti and that is feeding the hungry and putting shoes on as many as we can. Our greatest need right now is to get the shoes that we have here to Haiti. We will try to ship them or get them there by any means possible. If you could help with the cost of shipping.....that would be greatly appreciated. God bless you!

TOUCH SOMEONES LIFE TODAY!!!!

Music to my ears........

2009-11-13T23:08:00.000-05:00

Haiti

2009-11-09T21:16:00.001-05:00

We woke up to another beautiful day here in Haiti. We headed to our favorite "brush arbor" school. The children were so happy to see us and they sang a song for us and greeted us so warmly. We also sang for them and then passed out rice, beans and candy. After loads of hugs we headed down the "trail" and I mean rocky trail, thank goodness for a 4 wheel drive that takes you over and through everything! Next stop was the womens meeting where they were waiting for us to arrive. They too were singing and just praising the Lord with all their hearts. It is such a beautiful sight to see, these women with years of life that has taken a toll on their lives and yet they are lifting their hands and praising God. One lady told how her and her husband were in bed and she heard some noise outside and she made him go out with her and look at what was going on outside. While they were outside, their roof collapsed. They were praising God for sparing them. Each one of us shared with the women and spoke what the Lord had laid on our hearts. How could we ever begin to understand their lives and the hardships that they have suffered but we know that God is faithful know matter who or where you are. Our hearts were touched by a few ladies that were so thin and looked so hungry.......all the women were given a sandwich and a drink and we gave ours away to the 2 ladies little boys who were waiting outside for their moms.........

Our last stop was another small school started by a young man that Bettie once had as an orphan. He told us about the lessons he had learned at her side and the things that she had taught him about loving others. Emmanis showed us his school proudly, it had a concrete floor and a roof. The desks and benches were handmade and as I sat on one, it swayed. I sat next to a girl and she pulled her shirt down over her shoulder and I saw two deep bruises. She had been beaten by the relatives that are taking care of her........so much hurt here............

The Shoes

2009-11-08T19:53:00.000-05:00

GIRL IS DESPERATE TO GO TO SCHOOL.......NOTICE HER SHOES!

We have made a decision about the shoes that are stuck in Port au Prince at customs and also the ones that we brought down in our suitcases. We have decided to give the shoes to the principle of the schools here and he will distribute them to those who really need them and also give them to the children that don't have any shoes so that they will be able to get an education. He will also get the ones from Port au Prince when they clear customs. We feel that is a good decision because he really knows the kids. And he also has requests for children that want to attend school but can't because they have no shoes or uniforms. God has been so faithful to provide the shoes and the finances for us to buy them.......we so much appreciate your help! Without the help of many we could not do what God has asked us to do. We will continue to collect brand new sneakers and get them to Haiti by suitcases or shipment.

Today we went to church at Grande Gode, what a wonderful service we had with Pastor Morvan, Pastor Damil and Phil Snyder from Glow Ministries. Later we went to a church to pass out rice, beans and candy and found the church but there was nobody there!

Tomorrow will be a full day for us, passing out more food to the hungry and then we will head back to Port au Prince early Tues, stay at the orphanage there and play with the kids and Wednesday we head back home.

When I get back we will post pictures of our trip........check out facebook. We were able to post some there. God Bless............till tomorrow!

A unique adventure feeding the hungry!

2009-11-07T17:06:00.000-05:00

Woke up this morning wondering what God was going to do today....... He has lead us every step of the way and today was no different. A young Haitian man named Emanis took us through the middle of the saturday market, people pressed in with just enough room for the car to drive through, Frank constantly honking to clear the path. As we cleared the market we began our trip through the beautiful countryside, homes and huts scattered just off the rocky path, with onlookers wondering what was going on. We arrive at a small village named Russo (my spelling) where there was a small church/school with no benches or desks. The people began to gather and Bettie spoke to them and began to cry because she had not been there for years and her heart and all of ours was touched by the needs of these people. They began to sing for us and the sound of their voices praising God brought joy to our hearts. They were happy and excited to have us there. We were able to pass out bags of rice them. For many, it maybe the only food they have for the day. Our hearts were sad to leave but it felt good knowing that the village would be eating tonight. As we drove back towards home we handed out rice and some candy to the people we met along the way. Many were riding their donkeys and one donkey was giving his owner quite a ride! The donkey did not like the car and ran around in circles a few times till the owner got her under control. We saw kids along the way with no clothes on or just a shirt.......... We saw a few motorcycles on the way home, one with up to 6 people on one motorcycle!

We stopped in the market to buy some bread, water and coke. Bettie gave some of the bread to the hungry kids hanging around the market.

Safely back at Bettie's house, Dunios was there with his wife, baby and the 6 girls that they have taken into their homes. They sang for us and we feed them some hot dogs and some cake that Teresa made........without oil or eggs! It turned out pretty good!

God was faithful again and we are getting ready for our dinner at the hotel, we had a swim in the pool and last night Frank, Teresa and myself went into the Caribbean, in the dark just to get some of that saltwater on our skin because the mosquitoes are eating us alive!

So far we have bought 8, 50 # bags of rice and one 100 # bag of beans! God Bless you all.......please keep us in your prayers.

More news from Haiti

2009-11-06T15:45:00.000-05:00

On Thursday the team left Port au Prince and headed for Kalico, Haiti. When we got to Kalico we sorted shoes and put together bags with toothpaste, toothbrush, candy, and stickers for the kids at Troufanban School, provided by Glow Ministries. We are waiting for 3 boxes of shoes to come in from Port au Prince today........we are praying that they came in so we can pass them out to the kids here along with the ones we took in our suitcase. Today (Fri) we passed the bags out at the Trufanban School, took pictures of the children that need sponsors for Glow Ministries and played with the kids. They sang for us and we did the "hokey pokey" which they just loved, and then made a train and "danced" all around inside the school house. The children were laughing and having a great time. Lily prayed with them and one little girl came up to us and showed us her scars that she had on her stomach from falling into a fire. Our hearts were touched by the love that these kids showed to each one of us. I started a "free hug" line and I think I hugged every child in that school, probably some several times. Thank God for this school at Trufanban...........and the teachers who are doing a great job of giving the kids an education.

Got to bag a lot of rice for tomorrow! Please keep the team in your prayers. There is Bettie, Teresa, both from Glow Ministries, Lily, from Pennsylvania and Frank and I. Oh, its so hot here.....and very muggy, probably in the 90's!!!

WE ARE HERE!

2009-11-04T18:54:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Haiti around 10:30 this morning. After a quick lunch we headed to "Rusty's House" and orphanage in Port au Prince. We were met with smiles and loads of hugs from all the children there. They sang for us and then we passed out some candy and just played with the kids for a while and toured the grounds. The kids were so excited to see us and we hugged and hugged them. It was so sad when it was time to go...... we hating leaving those precious children.

Next we went to New Life Children's Home where we will be spending the night. Teresa, Frank and I went around to all the children and hugged them and talked with them and played some games with the girls. One little girl has such a bloated stomach and needs prayer, as I laid my hands on her I prayed that God would do a miracle. The children here raise rabbits, chickens and have a garden. Many were handicapped and we loved on them and some gave us a great big smile.

It was a wonderful full day.........time for devotions with the kids and then off to bed. God Bless you all from Port au Prince, Haiti!

Sorry I am unable to load any pictures..........will try again tomorrow.

HEADING TO HAITI.... wed. Nov 4 to wed. Nov 11

2009-11-03T20:21:00.000-05:00

The bags are packed, the shoes are in their suitcases with lots of candy stuffed into the toes! The kids at church donated a "tithe" of their halloween candy to the kids in Haiti. Thanks kids, I know the kids in Haiti will love their sweet treats.

Please keep an eye on this blog, we will try to write a post as often as possible and also share some pictures.

We covet your prayers.........please keep us in your prayers for the next week.

THE HENDERSONVILLE CONNECTION

2009-10-30T20:49:00.000-04:00

Matthew 25:40 "I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it unto me!"

Once again the "Hendersonville Connection" has spent months collecting shoes for "shoesforhaitiskids.com" We want to thank Christine Cromarty who just happened to read our website one day and was so touched by the needs of the children of Haiti that she started a campaign to collect shoes from her church friends, neighbors and wherever she could. She has been such an inspiration to Frank and I. She has faithfully collected the shoes since our last trip and also has blessed us with a financial gift for food. Its people like her that catch the vision that we have for the kids and Haiti and stand alongside us to help us do what God has called us to do. We want to thank the Womens Guild at Immaculate Conception Church for their gifts of shoes and finances. A new pair of shoes is an opportunity for an education. And a bag of rice and beans maybe the only meal they will have that day. God Bless you and we thank you for remembering the children of Haiti! Together, we will make a difference!

Shipping our shoes

2009-10-23T10:08:00.000-04:00

Last week Bettie Snyder and I were able to send over 3 large boxes of shoes through Missionary Flights International located in Ft. Pierce, Fl. If you could help with the cost of shipping the shoes, it would be really appreciated! Thanks so much!

Our trip is coming up soon, Nov. 4th and we are making our plans. We will be handing out shoes to the kids, also we had a donation of brand new flip flops. The Haitians love flip flops! Everybody wears them but they wear out fast with the rocky terrain that they have in Haiti. We also will be buying food when we get there and we will pass out rice, beans, bread, water, bananas, as much food as we can with the money that has been donated. Thanks for the donations for food, every penny will be used for food. The poverty in Haiti is so great and a bag of rice may be their only meal that day. Please help us to give food to the hungry in Haiti. God bless you!

SHOES FOR HAITI'S KIDS HELPS A ORPHANAGE IN PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI

2009-10-11T17:03:00.000-04:00

We were contacted by an orphanage in Port au Prince, Haiti who desperately needed shoes. There were over 100 pairs of shoes that had been shipped over to Haiti through the generosity of another ministry there. When we got the call about the need of the children, we were glad to help. Shoesforhaitiskids.com was so grateful that we could supply the shoes for the kids. There are so many more children there who need a pair of shoes......... We will continue to bring shoes to Haiti, their need is so great!

WE NEED A MIRACLE!

2009-10-07T18:48:00.000-04:00

Today I received a phone call from my "shoe man" telling me that he had 100 pairs of shoes for me. I had to tell him that I have had very few financial donations and did not have the money to purchase them plus I had to tell him that I had no way to get the shoes to Haiti. Normally we go in with a team of 8-10 people and this time we only have 1 other person that has signed up to go with us. We count on our teams to each bring in a suitcase full of shoes. The airlines that we use does not allow us to buy an extra suitcase. If you know anyone that can help with getting the shoes over to Haiti or would make a donation to buy the shoes, please contact me by e-mail.

The children of Haiti need shoes desperately. Without proper shoes, their feet can get cut and bruised by the rough rock and terrain there. Their feet can become infected and can cause disease because of their walking barefoot. A new pair of shoes is for some a chance to get an education. Can you help us? Whatever you can do would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much and please keep us in prayer so that every pair of shoes that we have in our garage right now can get to Haiti for our next trip, November 4-11, 2009. For financial donations: PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO NEW HOPE MINISTRIES and send it to: Shoes for Haiti's Kids
New Hope Ministries
4425 71st St.
Vero Beach, Fl 32967
772-778-7777 Nancy Hart

HEADING TO HAITI

2009-09-17T00:14:00.000-04:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED......... WE HAVE MADE PLANS FOR OUR NEXT TRIP TO HAITI!!!! WE WILL BE IN HAITI NOVEMBER 4-11, 2009. WE REALLY NEED TO HAVE AS MANY SHOES AS POSSIBLE TO BRING TO THE CHILDREN THERE. THERE ARE SO MANY CHILDREN IN HAITI THAT ARE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND SCHOOL BECAUSE IN HAITI, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PAIR OF SHOES, YOU CAN'T GO TO SCHOOL AND GET AN EDUCATION. EDUCATION IS A PRICELESS GIFT, WITH AN EDUCATION, THEIR LIVES CAN BE PRODUCTIVE AND MEANINGFUL. EDUCATION ALLOWS THEM TO REALIZE THEIR DREAMS AND AMBITIONS BEYOND WHAT THEY MAY EVEN REALIZE AT THE TIME. OUR GOAL IS TO BRING AND SHIP AS MANY SHOES TO HAITI FOR OUR NOVEMBER '09 TRIP AS POSSIBLE. BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP. WE COLLECT ONLY BRAND NEW SNEAKERS, ATHLETIC SHOES, GYM SHOES, SHOES THAT ARE TOUGH AND CAN WITHSTAND THE HARSH HAITIAN TERRAIN (NO CANVAS PLEASE, THEY DO NOT HOLD UP IN HAITI) WE NEED SNEAKERS FROM KINDERGARTEN AGE THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL AGE,ANY SIZE, ANY STYLE. GIRLS SHOES, SIZE 7-9. ARE REALLY NEEDED. IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO BUY SHOES, A DONATION WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

JUST AS ON THE PAST TRIPS, WE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO BUY AS MUCH FOOD AS POSSIBLE TO DISTRIBUTE TO THE POOR IN HAITI. WE BUY RICE, BEANS, WATER, BANANAS AND BREAD AND GO INTO THE VILLAGES AND DISTRIBUTE THE FOOD TO THE PEOPLE THERE. PLEASE HELP US ANY WAY THAT YOU CAN. YOUR DONATIONS WILL HELP US TO TOUCH THE LIVES OF THE CHILDREN OF HAITI.......... FOR SOME IT WILL BE THE ONLY NEW PAIR OF SHOES THEY WILL EVER RECEIVE OR MAYBE THE ONLY MEAL THAT HAVE THAT DAY.

THANK YOU SO MUCH AND THE CHILDREN IN HAITI SAY THANK YOU.........WITHOUT YOUR GENEROSITY, SHOES FOR HAITI'S KIDS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.

PLEASE SEND A DONATION OF SHOES OR FINANCES.

VERY IMPORTANT...........PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO.......NEW HOPE MINISTRIES WITH SHOES FOR HAITI'S KIDS ON THE MEMO LINE

SEND TO:
SHOES FOR HAITI'S KIDS
NEW HOPE MINISTRIES
4425 71ST ST.
VERO BEACH, FL. 32967

772-778-7777
www.hope4you.us

BOD BLESS YOU!!! AS ALWAYS, WE COVET YOUR PRAYERS FOR THIS MINISTRY

Getting Ready!!!!

2009-06-10T14:55:00.000-04:00

We have been busy getting ready for our trip this fall. With some help from our friends,we were able to purchase, pack up & tie together enough shoes to fill the back of our truck. Some of those have been shipped over already and are waiting for us in Haiti to distribute them. We need so many more shoes. Everywhere we go we see kids in broken flip flops, barefoot, or with shoes that are too small or just have worn out soles. We need your help! If you can donate some brand new sneakers, athletic shoes, running shoes, walking shoes, anything along that line that will not wear out in Haiti, we would be so grateful. If you are unable to buy shoes, please consider a donation. We can purchase a brand new pair of sneakers for $6.00 each. Every trip we make to Haiti, we also buy as much food as possible to distribute to the children there. Please make a note if you would like your donations to go for shoes or food. Please send your donations to
Shoes for Haitis Kids
New Hope Ministries
4425 71st St.
Vero Beach, Fl 32967

Thank you so much for your generosity and may God Bless you for your thoughtfulness towards the children of Haiti. Also, please pray for the children of Haiti, their needs are so great.

Our greatest needs for 2009

2009-02-22T00:28:00.000-05:00

After much prayer and planning we have decided not to make a trip to Haiti this spring - '09. We are desperately in need of a lot more shoes. Especially for girls, size 7-9. We are finding out on our trips that those are the sizes that we run out of first. There are so many girls in Haiti that need shoes to go to school. I have seen their feet where they have crammed their feet into a shoe that is too small for them or the sole of the shoe is gone. When we go into a school or a church or village to bring shoes, the kids just come from everywhere. For many it is the only NEW pair of shoes they will receive in their lifetime! Many of them have to borrow shoes from a relative or buy them second hand at the market and many are barefoot or with 2 odd shoes or a pair of flip flops that are half gone. Please help us to put new shoes on the feet of the kids in Haiti.

A big thank you to Charlie who gave us 2 boxes full of flip flops! We don't usually take flip flops but when someone gives you 2 boxes full of brand new ones for free, you don't want to turn that down. I can see us taking them this fall to a village where I know that many will be blessed with a new pair of flip flops! Thanks Charlie, its people like you who make us want to continue to help the children of Haiti.

We also will continue to collect money for food. When we go into Haiti, we go to the market and buy as much rice, beans and sometimes fresh bread as our money will buy. We bag it and give it away to the kids in the schools to take home to their families, churchs where we hand out food to the parents and sometimes people on the street that need a bag of rice. For some it will mean that they will survive for another day.

We really need your help to do what God has laid on our hearts to do for the children of Haiti. A new pair of shoes gives them hope and shows them that people do care. A bag of rice brought home by a child to his family may mean that is their one meal for the day. We cannot do it without your help.

Your donation of brand new shoes, any size, any style (no canvas please-they do not hold up in Haiti) would be greatly appreciated! You can send your donations of shoes or finances (please make checks out to NEW HOPE MINISTRIES) to:
Shoes for Haiti's Kids
New Hope Ministries
4425 71st ST.
Vero Beach, Fl. 32967
Phone 772-778-7777
www.hope4you.us

Also check out our website at www.shoesforhaitiskids.com

Thank you so much for your generous donations and for your prayers. We can make a difference in the lives of these children! An education will give them a chance at a future that they can only dream of now.

Ria & Frank Voss
Shoesforhaitiskids.com/shoesforhaitiskids.blogspot.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-22T20:39:00.000-05:00

Frank and I,with our dogs Reggie and Trinket. We would like to thank all of you who have so generously given to Shoes for Haiti's Kids. You have made it possible for us to have given away close to 1,000 pairs of shoes, bags and bags full of rice, beans, bread, bananas and water to many of the children of Haiti. I feel like we have only just begun and want to do so much more in 2009. The children of Haiti need our help and we are asking God to help us double everything that we did in 2008 in this new year of 2009. We need more shoes so that more children can go to school and more food so that none of them will go hungry. I am praying for a "shoe connection" with someone who has access to hundreds of pairs of shoes, brand new shoes that they would be willing to donate or we will pay for them. Another need is shipping. If we could get some donations to ship some of the shoes to Haiti, that would really help us get them there. Please pray for us as we make plans for 2009, there is such a great need in Haiti. Merry Christmas to all of you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the help that you have given us. And a Happy New Year!!! Ria and Frank Voss

Check out the website at www.shoesforhaitiskids.com

2008-11-20T09:33:00.001-05:00

Haiti, 3rd trip for SFHK, Nov. 5-12, 2008

2008-11-19T13:25:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you who donated shoes, finances for us to buy shoes, and money for us to buy food for the poor while in Haiti. We were able to put shoes on the children at Fonde School, bring bags of rice, beans, and some bread to a small church, 3 small schools, and whenever we saw a need. We want to thank Bettie Snyder and her son Phil from Glow Ministries of Zeeland, Mi wh0 have been in Haiti for over 30 years, they help us with everything that we do. They also provided a home for some of the team and othe rest of us stayed at the hotel next door to their home. Please check out their website at http://www.glowmi.org/ They truly are making a big difference in the lives of the people there.

Again, thank you for making Shoes for Haiti's Kids possible. May God bless you for your generosity.

Also, a big hand to the team who all helped in hauling shoes, bagging rice, beans, bread and giving of themselves to the children, widows, and people of Haiti. Thanks for sacrificing of your
time, money, and yourselves for Haiti! Great job!

back row left to right, John, Carol, Frank, Cindy, Bettie, Charlie
front row left to right, Ria, Shirley, Nancy, Michele

To make a donation, MAKE CHECKS OUT TO NEW HOPE & send to:

Shoes For Haiti's Kids
New Hope Ministries
4425 71st St.
Vero Beach, Fl
32967

Fonde Baptiste School

2008-11-19T12:47:00.001-05:00

The kids of Fonde Baptiste School were waiting for us when the truck drove up full of shoes. They were so excited and we began by opening up the suitcases full of shoes and also some large boxes full of toys. When I saw all those children, hundreds of them, I just prayed and asked God to give us enough shoes for them all. We worked for hours trying the shoes on the children and fitting them. It was a big job but very satisfying. I know in order to put a new pair of shoes on each of the children there, we will need a lot more shoes. We were also able to give a few teachers a pair of shoes. The children gathered around us outside and we loved on them, hugged them and just let them know that they are loved. I videod some of them singing and let them watch themselves on the video and there eyes just got real big from seeing themselves. They loved singing for us and we just had a great time together. After putting on the shoes, a trip to the outhouse and a nice meal of chicken, rice, beans and planteens, we headed back down the mountain. The trip up to the school was met with dirt & rocky roads, hairpin curves, and times when we were going straight up and all sliding together in the back of that truck. The truck was loaded with 12 people in the open bed in the hot sun, 12-15 suitcases full of shoes which were strapped to the top of the cab and put under the seats, etc. We also had a bucket of chicken that had been cooked for us in the early morning. This was not like a bucket we get from KFC but a pail, bucket, filled with chicken as we drove up the mountain for 2 1/2 hours in the hot sun. Needless to say, it was still hot when we ate it! Thanks to Charlie who had a firm hand on that bucket all the way up the mountain! Also, I was amazed at the people in that village, with nothing but a school/church many of them are born up there and die up there, never leaving that village. I was impressed with the gardens I saw on the mountains. Their soil is good that they are able to grow what they need. Our trip to Fonde School is a memory that none of us will ever forget! And our bodies felt the affects of that trip for several days after!

Widows meeting

2008-11-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

As we entered the womens meeting they were singing so beautifully that they could be heard through out the neighborhood. What a beautiful sight to see their faces smiling as they sang praises to God. Cindy Holliday encouraged the women with a message that touched their hearts followed with a meal for each of them of chicken, rice, and beans. Life has been hard on these precious widows but the love of God shines in each one of them.

Seven precious orphan girls

2008-11-19T12:15:00.000-05:00

These 7 girls have quite a story! They were in an orphanage and were asked to leave and put out on the street. One of their caretakers at the orphanage was also asked to leave. They were scattered everywhere, some going home with the cook, others to find some distant relatives but Dumwa, who had taken care of them at the orphanage, gathered them all up and took them to live with him, his wife and brand new baby. Frank and I have supported two of the girls and we wanted to see them so they all came over to the house at Betties. Dave and Luanne Gould had donated over 100 pair of brand new sandals, flats and heels so we let the girls go through the boxes and for over 1 1/2 hours we watched as they tried on the shoes, giggling and just being girls. It was so much fun to watch. There are many more like them that desperately need support on a monthly basis. If you would like to support a child in Haiti, check out http://www.glowmi.org/ They feed over 2000 children a day and with the recent hurricane this past summer, children have lost their parents and they need your support. God Bless you!

Our "Brush Arbor School"

2008-11-19T11:50:00.000-05:00

The kids at our little "Brush Arbor School" are some of the sweetest children I have ever met. They are all so grateful for the rice and the beans that we gave to them. They will take it home to their families and will have enough for a few meals. Money has been donated to build them a new "brush arbor school" closer to the main road where the school will have better access. Our goal is to one day be able to build them a concrete block school. Also we would like to begin to support this school on a monthy basis. For $200 a month the children can be feed 5 days a week while they are attending school. Can you help? It would be life changing and maybe even life saving for the children there. Plus their education, being able to read and write!

Life in Haiti

2008-11-19T11:41:00.000-05:00

HOME FROM HAITI

2008-11-12T21:29:00.000-05:00

We arrived back from Haiti early this afternoon. We are all home safe and sound. Will write all about the trip in the next few days. Thanks so much for all of your prayers! Ria Voss

GODS ANSWER TO PRAYER

2008-10-28T06:23:00.000-04:00

Since our last trip to Haiti in March '08 I have been wondering how I was going to get all the shoes that were being donated, over to Haiti. Spirit Airlines had changed their policy and instead of each person bringing in 2 suitcases plus a carryon, they changed to one suitcase each plus a carryon. That cut our ability to take in shoes by half. We have been checking into altenative ways of shipping, etc and they have proved to be costly, so we just waited. About 2 weeks ago, I heard that my friend Bettie Snyder and her son Phil from Glow Ministries International had purchased a school bus and were going to fill it with school supplies, food and water supplies, etc. After talking with them, Phil said he would come by New Hope Church in Vero Beach, Fl on his way to Miami and would let us put in as many shoes as we wanted.

Thanks to some large donations in the past week, we were able to call the man who I usually buy the shoes from and make arrangements to purchase the shoes. On Friday, with our pickup truck empty, we purchased enough shoes to fill the bed of the truck and the back seat! We made another trip on Saturday and did the same. Tommy, where we purchased the shoes, was so generous that he gave us, for free, over 100 shirts and he also threw in 44 free backpacks! Thank you Tommy for your generosity! We purchased 275 pairs of shoes for $6.00 each!!

On Sunday Phil was at the church with the school bus and we loaded it up with the shoes, shirts, and backpacks and its now on its way to Haiti. Please pray for the bus as it goes through customs.

On Nov 5 '08 a team of 10 will be going to Haiti and carrying in our suitcases as many shoes as possible. This past July, a team of 5 carried in more shoes. Our goal this trip is to put as many shoes as possible on the children at the Fonde School located a 2 hour, dirt and rocky road (should say goats trail), up the mountain. That school needs 500 to 600 pairs of shoes. Please pray for the team, we really covet your prayers from Nov. 5-12. God Bless you for giving to the children of Haiti. Because of your gifts, we will not only be able to put new shoes on their feet but also feed them and bring food to many in the villages.

After counting all the shoes we put on the bus, shoes that the team took this past July and the shoes that the team will carry in on this trip on November 5, we have a total of 744 pairs of shoes!!!!! I am so grateful! Thanks!!!! Thanks for your faithfulness God!

The Hendersonville Connection

2008-10-11T22:37:00.000-04:00

This story is written by Christine from Hendersonville, NC who just wanted to do something that would make a difference in somebodys life. Thank you so much Christine and Margaret for all the work that you put into collecting the brand new sneakers & the finances for the kids in Haiti. We will take them with us in November.

Once we were strangers, now we are friends! God Bless you ladies for caring enough to do something that will touch their hearts!

(left to right, Frank, Ria, Margaret, Christine)

In the Spring of 2008, I realized that the volunteer work I was doing was no longer a good fit. I asked God what it was He wanted me to do; how could I serve Him in a better way? My prayers were answered when I began noticing a lot of information about Haiti in the newspaper and other media. I felt a calling to help the people in this desperately poor nation. I mailed a check to a charity that is involved in providing assistance to Haiti and figured that was it. No way! I was haunted by the stories I had read, and knew that I must do more.
With the help of a GOOGLE search, I came upon the Shoes for Haiti's Kids project that was being carried out by Ria and Frank Voss. I was amazed to learn that children cannot attend school without shoes. I read Ria's story and e-mailed her to request her DVD. After seeing the beautiful children wearing their new shoes, I was hooked! I told my friend, Margaret about this endeavor and she immediately stepped up to the plate. Thus, the Hendersonville Connection was born! Our appeal to my Bible Study, Women's Guild and condominium community was met with much encouragement and many donations.
In September, Margaret and I had the pleasure of meeting Ria and Frank as they passed through Hendersonville on their way home to Vero Beach. We were happy to present them with 58 pairs of shoes and $60.00 cash. We look forward to more shopping and collecting for this wonderful project.
Christine

2008-10-08T23:25:00.000-04:00

Update on Nov 08 trip to Haiti

2008-10-08T22:50:00.000-04:00

We are preparing for our November 08 trip to Haiti. There is a team of 10 going instead of 12. Our goal is to bring in as many shoes as possible for the kids. Today we were so blessed to be able to find shoes for $4.50 each and I think that we purchased around 30 pairs. Our problem with getting the shoes there is that the airlines have made a new ruling that you can only bring 1 suitcase per person instead of 2 suitcases per person. That really hurt us, so instead of the team bringing in 20 suitcases full of shoes, we can only bring in 10. We are also allowed 1 carryon each which we use for our personal items.

This trip some of us will be staying at a Hotel while the rest of the team will be staying at Bettie's house in Kalico, Haiti. The hotel where we will be staying is right on the Carribbean and our meals will be provided for us there. We will spend most of our days giving out shoes to the children and also we will be going into some of the villages and bringing in rice, beans, water, bread, and bananas. The people of Haiti have been through so much with the hurricanes this summer and many have lost their homes. Our school, New Hope, that was contructed mostly of branches, palm leaves, etc has been destroyed but Bettie tells me that they will rebuild it again. My heart is to support that little "brush arbor" school on a monthly basis with food served to the children 5 days a week while they attend school. At least they will get one meal a day. Please help us to feed the children and put shoes on their feet. We really need your help. Together we can make a difference!

Here is how you can help. You can send shoes or your financial gift for shoes or food to:

Shoes for Haitis Kids
NEW HOPE MINISTRIES
4425 71st St.
Vero Beach, Fl 32967

Thank you so much!

Please check out our website at www.shoesforhaitiskids.com for more information and loads of pictures.

Windows Live Hotmail

2008-10-01T22:52:00.000-04:00

Windows Live Hotmail

Upcoming Trip to Haiti

2008-09-21T19:57:00.000-04:00

A team of 12 will be going to Haiti Nov. 5-12, 2008. More info to follow! Please pray for us as we prepare to bring in as many shoes as possible and also with your donations feed as many as possible. Thank you!!!

My Story

2008-09-21T19:38:00.000-04:00

How it all began. Ria's Story In April 2007 I was watching the Oprah show I saw a women on the program who had collected and donated 85,000 pairs of pajamas to kids in group homes, shelters,etc. I was so inspired by that show that I could not sleep. I tossed and turned and began to cry out to the Lord, "What can I do that will make a difference in someones life? Please God just show me."
As I continued to pray, the message "SHOES" came into my mind. I began to think about shoes; then how would I get them, who would I give them to? I thought about my dear friend Bettie Snyder in Haiti. I immediately got out of bed and wrote Bettie an email telling her about what had just happened and asked if there were a way to get shoes to the kids in Haiti?
The next morning she wrote me back encouraging me to please follow my heart and vision, the children in Haiti desperately need shoes. Just like that "SHOES FOR HAITI'S KIDS" was born. Our goal is 1,000 pairs of NEW sneakers by the end of this year. In June Bettie took the first suitcase full of shoes and the smiles on the faces of the children touched my heart. In November we will bring as many shoes as are donated and give them to the children in the schools, orphanages and wherever we see a need. Thank you for your prayers and support. God Bless you all, Ria Voss

Thanks

2008-09-21T19:29:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all of you for your donations to "shoes for haiti's kids". In March a team of 5 went to Haiti to deliver shoes to the children there. We also purchased enough rice, water and bread to feed a village, a school and some orphans. Thanks to all of you who have given money to make that possible. In November '08 we will return to Haiti. We need 500-600 pairs of BRAND NEW sneakers for Fonde School located on top of a mountain. We want to provide every child in that school with a new pair of shoes. Shoes for Haitis Kids has also taken on the responsibility of a small school made of sticks, leaves, etc. We have started to provide them with a meal daily. The cost of feeding that school a meal a day for a month is between $200-$250 a month. As we have all seen in the news lately, the children in Haiti are going hungry and resorting to eating "mud pies" made with shortening and dirt, please help us provide for this small school. I hope that you will take the time to check out this site to see how you can help. God Bless you!
Ria & Frank Voss

Trip to Haiti, March 6-11, 2008

2008-09-20T19:41:00.000-04:00

When we arrived in Haiti we were met by the missionary there, Bettie Snyder from Glow Ministries. We spent the day getting the shoes ready to put on the feet of the kids. We went back to Grande Gode School where some of the children had not received shoes the last time because we ran out of sizes. We were also able to give the teachers each a pair of shoes and they were so grateful. Then on to Village 87 where we passed out bread, water, and rice. The people were so grateful and it was such a blessing to walk among them handing them a piece of fresh baked bread that we had just bought from the market. Thank you to all of you who gave extra finances so that we were able to buy food. Our time at Village 87 is always a blessing and we finished our time there with a swim in the beautiful, warm water, surrounded by all the children. They were laughing, splashing, diving and just having a wonderful time of fun with us.
There were 7 teenage girls that Bettie heard about that were kicked out of an orphanage there and left on the street to fend for themselves. A couple with a brand new baby took them into their home and we went and visited them and brought them all a pair of shoes. They were thrilled with their new shoes and really loved the crocs that we gave them. Their smiles made it all worth while. We were so happy to see them being well taken care of.
Later that day we were told about a small "brush arbor" school where the children were so hungry. We went to the market and bought rice and headed for the school. What we saw made my heart heavy. The school was made out of tree limbs and palm leaves, etc. These children are so happy to get an education that they will sit close together on hard benches just so that they can learn. My heart was so touched by this little "brush arbor" school that we would like to start a feeding program for them. It will take about $200. a month to feed them every day, 5 days a week. If you are interested in helping with this school, just e-mail me. We handed them each a bag of rice to take home to their families. Thanks again to all of you who gave money for food. On our next visit (Nov. '08) to the "brush arbor" school, we will bring them new shoes.
On Sunday we headed up the mountains in 2 vehicles. It was the most frightening thing I have ever done. We drove up the mountain on roads full of boulders and potholes not meant for vehicles but for goats and donkeys! And there were NO guardrails. Sometimes we were so frightened that we all held our breath as my husband Frank would make a hairpin turn. We looked down and couldn't see anything, not even the bottom of the mountain. Needless to say we started singing! Thank God for all Franks years of driving for UPS! He took us up and down that mountain safely. All the way up that mountain I said, I will never go up here again, I was so scared! After I got down the mountain I told everybody we were going back in November! Only God can change our hearts sometimes! Our goal on the mountain was to go to Evwa School/Church and put shoes on the feet of the kids there. We took hundreds of pairs of shoes with us and we spent hours fitting the children till we began to run out of sizes. It was such a blessing to see the kids walking around later with a pair of brand new sneakers on, wearing a big smile. Bettie's son Phil Snyder, Glow Ministries from Zeeland, Mi. was also with us and his ministry donated enough food to have a celebration and everyone ate that day, children and adults. What a great time we had in Evwa! Thanks to Glow Ministries, Phil's Mom, Bettie for making that day so very special. As we were leaving Philip said to me, "Ria, there is a school even farther up the mountain with 500-600 kids who need shoes" and I told him with God's help and the generosity of many, we would get those shoes for them and bring them in Nov. '08. That is a lot of shoes!
I want to thank our team, who gave up time with their families, took time off from their jobs and gave of themselves till they were drained of energy!
From left to Right, Josh Sieger, his 1st trip, what a blessing he was and a I know this will not be his last mission trip. Next, Bettie Snyder, my dear friend and missionary to Haiti for over 30 years! I continually thank God for bringing her into my life! She shared her home with us and her cook! Then Dave Mckee from Christian Media Productions, http://www.cvpro.us/ who spent hours and hours putting together a great video presentation of our trip to Haiti! Thanks Dave! Just e-mail me and I will be glad to send you a copy. Next, myself, Ria Voss. Then there is Pastor Nancy Hart from New Hope Ministries of Vero Beach, Fl., a very precious friend. She has been on both trips with Shoes for Haiti's Kids. Her and Pastor Jack Hart have been such a great support to this ministry. Check out their ministry, New Hope Ministries at http://www.hope4you.us/ And then my husband Frank, who is always there, hauling shoes, loading suitcases, driving us up the mountains and never complaining. Thanks to all of you who gave of yourselves, your finances, your time to make this trip one that made a difference to many of the children in Haiti.
Thanks to Phil Snyder and Mom, Bettie Snyder of Glow Ministries of Zeeland, Mi http://www.glowmi.org/ who housed us, feed us, transported us and provided everything we needed in Haiti to make my dream of putting shoes on the children in Haiti so they can have an education. Check out their ministry, they feed over 2000 kids a day! They have given their lives to the country of Haiti for over 30 years. God Bless you Glow Ministries and Bettie & Phil!

September 2007 Trip

2008-09-19T19:54:00.000-04:00

On September 27, 2007 a team of 5 left Vero Beach, Fl. for 5 nights and 6 days with 10 suitcases full of brand new sneakers, bound for Haiti! On our team was Nancy Hart, Cindy Ward, Chuck Wilson and my husband Frank Voss and myself, Ria Voss. After collecting shoes since April we were so excited to finally pack them all up and get them on the feet of the Haitain children. When we arrived in Port au Prince, Haiti, we were met by Bettie Synder and Teresa Prange, both of Glow Ministries in Zeeland, Mi. Also, Dr. Marty Schnell, from Tennessee and Dr. Barry Staum from Idaho also joined our "Shoes for Haiti's kids" team.

We started our trip in Haiti with a trip to an orphanage of 100 children. We walked through the orphange hugging, loving, and praying for the children there. Many were severally handicapped and we thank God for those at the orphange that were called to take care of these precious children. Then onto see our dear friend, Beverly Plourde also from Vero Beach, who is helping to take care of the children in the "Baby House" A home where babies are brought there by their mothers because they cannot take care of them. We all were so touched by all the children, full of smiles and just wanting to be played with and loved.

We left there with all our suitcases full of shoes and climbed into the back of the pickup truck and sat on benches as our driver took us to Kalico, Haiti. It was over an hour drive in the back of that pickup truck on roads full of potholes and with the heat in the 90's. We arrived at Bettie Snyders house eager to get started and full of anticipation.

The next day we decided to go to Village 87, a village located about 45 minutes off the main road. We had to drive on a dirt trail and through (and I do mean through!) a riverbed to get there. When we arrived at Village 87 they were so happy to see us because Dr. Marty was with us and he supports the village with food every month. God, bless Dr. Marty for his generosity to these, your people! On our way to the village we had stopped to buy fresh baked bread and water for the people there. It was such a blessing to see the smiles on the faces of these precious people and the kids as we began to pass out the bread and the water. They live in such poverty, I could not believe my eyes as I looked around an saw a metal shed where most of them lived. Dr. Marty noticed that part of the shed was gone and asked them what happened to the shed and was told that some robbers came and took the metal away. Now some of them had to sleep outside. My heart ached for these people. In order for them to get water, they had to walk that 45 minute drive that we just took to get their water. I will never forget them.

On Sunday, we attended church and saw the school that was started by Bettie Snyder and her son Philip, who are founders of Glow Minitries, Zeeland, Mi. After the service they came into a room, 6 at a time as Dr. Marty "washed" their feet with oil and prayed over them and we began to fit the shoes on their feet. Their eyes were filled with excitement as we began to find a pair for each one of them that would fit. We noticed that some of the kids had their "sunday best" shoes on and many had them "stuffed" with paper so that they would "fit" their feet. We continued to fit shoes on the kids at the church/school and after hours of being in that room with temperatures at about 100, we started to run out of shoes for the older kids. My heart was saddened as I saw them standing out in that hot sun, just waiting for their turn. One young man, maybe around 16 years old, showed me his shoe that was half seperated from the sole, I don't know how he walked in them without tripping. We promised to bring them some shoes on our next trip and we left with heavy hearts because we were not able to give the teens new shoes. But still our hearts were full because of what we had just experienced with the children.

On Monday we headed back to Port au Prince to take shoes to the school there lead by Mistro. The children were so eager to see us and we walked through the classrooms that were filled with kids wanting to get an education and thankful that they were able to be there. They all had on uniforms that were made for them and they were so cute! We began to fit the smaller children with shoes and tried to fit everyone that we could, till we again ran out of shoes. It just hurts to see the looks on the faces of those who didn't get a pair of shoes, but we promised that we would be back in January.

Since I have been back home, the images I saw of the poverty everywhere I went in Haiti come crashing through my thoughts. How can we make a difference? We have so much and they have so very little. Their greatest need is food. If you would like to help with that, just e-mail me and I will tell you how you can do that. God has called me to put shoes on the feet of the children in Haiti but I cannot do it without your help. The need is so great. I could see that the shoes they were wearing had been passed down from one person to another to another. The pair of BRAND NEW SNEAKERS that you donate will be worn by not just the person receiving them but will be passed on to another and another till they are worn out. We need 1,000 pair of BRAND NEW SNEAKERS (no canvas please-they do not hold up in Haiti) for our next trip that is being planned for the beginning of 2008.

In Haiti we prayed for God to bless all of you who have so generously given to "shoes for Haitis kids" and we want to thank you again. Without your help, this trip would not have been possible! God Bless you all!

Ria Voss