A step ahead with a new pair of shoes

Posted: June 14, 2007   By: Staci Dennis

CHIQUIMULA, Guatemala - It took four years, but Romelia Vasque Guitierrez finally got a new pair of shoes.

The 25-year-old spent her days making tortillas to sustain her husband and their four children. Her shoes were worn out and she didn't have the extra money to buy an additional pair.

Operation Blessing stepped in to not only help Romelia, of Guatemala, but thousands more like her by distributing free shoes to those in need.

More than 150,000 pairs of shoes were distributed in eight countries including Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, Cambodia, Laos, Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala.

"We are blessed every time we receive something from you," said a representative from the non-profit group "Speranta," or "The Hope," based in Resita, Romania. "The shoes we received really helped our clients in need."

Speranta focuses on working with people in financial crisis as well as youths coming from social services programs and disadvantaged families. The group offers aid to about 40 families on a regular basis.

"The shoes were a huge surprise to them," the representative said.

Additionally, more than 10,000 shoes were handed out to gypsy colonies and other poverty-stricken families living in the Moldova area, one of the poorest nations in Europe located between Romania and Ukraine.

"All of our clients were extremely delighted about the shoes that you've sent us," said a representative from "Deborah House," which provides shelter for young girls who are victims of abuse or suffering from poverty and starvation. "They're exactly what they wanted and needed."