Shoe Fly

In March of 2017, I went to Northern Costa Rica. An American lady who works and lives there runs the non-profit organization  "Souls Helping Soles", www.soulshelpingsoles.org  which provides school children with free shoes.  She asks people traveling to Costa Rica to bring a pair of shoes, new or gently used.  A neighbor gave me her kids' outgrown shoes and I made a trip to a thrift store and bought a few pairs.  With minimal effort and expense, I had a suitcase full of shoes.

In Costa Rica, shoes are unaffordable for many families, because they are expensive import items and the average wage is $3 per hour. Children often do not attend school because they do not have shoes to complete their uniforms, or to participate in physical education.

I wanted to help more.  After returning home, I began collecting more shoes.  I have been visiting thrift shops and yard sales.  Neighbors and friends have been donating their unneeded shoes.  My plan is to collect shoes through March of 2018, when I am scheduled to return to Costa Rica.

I will personally deliver the shoes to Souls Helping Soles in Costa Rica. They will distribute the shoes directly to the children through the public school system, at no cost to the recipients.  I plan to participate in such a school visit.

Providing children with shoes will build their confidence and enable them to excel in school. Helping children have a better future is that simple!

The Go Fund Me donations will only be used to:
+ Buy shoes
+ Pay for extra luggage fees
+ Pay for local transportation

Please help me make the children in Costa Rica feel special, capable, and confident!  I believe they can be successful in school.  Do you ? 

Thank you and best wishes, Marie