A group of 160 girls ages 12-18 recently got together to help make 140 shoes for African children. The girls were from North Dallas, Richardson, Garland, Sachse, Wylie, and surrounding areas and were part of a camp sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Working with designs provided by the charity Sole Hope (www.solehope.org), the girls cut shoe patterns out of the denim from discarded jeans and formed heels out of plastic folders. The shoe patterns and heels were then assembled into denim kits that will be shipped to Uganda and turned into shoes by local shoemakers and tailors.
As part of the project, the girls learned that the primary purpose of the shoes was to prevent jiggers, a very painful condition caused by chigoe fleas of sub-Sahara Africa which can burrow into the skin of the feet, lay eggs and multiply, damaging tissue and causing infections. The victims of jiggers often endure social stigma and shame that can cause them to hide the problem rather than seek help. Although the condition itself is not fatal, the infections and other secondary complications can lead to the loss of toenails, digits and even death.
“I thought it was cool that [the shoes] were for toddlers,” said Lydia Shumard, one of the project participants. The girls were excited to send shoes kits to Uganda, and many have expressed an interest to continue making kits after they returned home. Pam Mayberry, one of the adult leaders at the camp, added, “I think the girls really enjoyed the service project, and it made them feel good to be able to help these children.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has more than 15 million members worldwide. The Church provides relief and development projects for humanitarian purposes in countries around the world. Projects operate without regard to the nationality or religion of the recipients. Church members everywhere are encouraged to give charitable and community service, care for the poor and needy and enhance the quality of life in the community.