The Hendersonville Connection

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