Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls® delivers 3 millionth pair of shoes to Guatemalan child USA - English

DALLAS (PRWEB) January 15, 2015 -- Shoes for Orphan Souls®, the largest humanitarian aid project of Buckner International, celebrated the delivery of their 3 millionth pair of shoes on Monday, Jan. 12 to a Guatemalan child in need.

Dulce Alquijay Raymundo, 5, was the recipient of the monumental pair of shoes distributed by Shoes for Orphan Souls - - a moment 16 years in the making. Since 1999, individuals across the United States have partnered with Shoes for Orphans Souls to donate shoes, lead shoe drives, sort the footwear, and place them on the feet of vulnerable children around the world.

“As a result of the shoes that have been distributed, children are healthier, they’re able to attend schools and their families can spend scarce resources on other necessities,” said Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International. “We are thankful for the opportunity to have ministered to these children, and look forward to serving many more.”

He noted, “When a child in need receives a new pair of shoes, it communicates love and helps them know they are not forgotten.” New shoes provide hope for these children that someone cares about them. Shoes also protect feet from many diseases and help impoverished children go to school, since most schools around the world consider shoes to be an essential item.

“In my time with Buckner, I have seen children celebrate their new shoes. I’ve watched as they’ve cherished their new shoes and cry as they first wear them,” said Reyes. “I can’t help but be moved when I think of all the lives who have been transformed by this ministry helping children and families in need.”

Due to customs regulations and the desire for children to receive a new pair of shoes, Buckner only accepts new shoes and socks. The greatest need is for leather or canvas athletic shoes sizes Youth 1 – Adult 7.

For more information about Shoes for Orphan Souls, including how to donate shoes, lead a shoe drive, and how to take a mission trip through the program visit shoesfororphansouls.org or call 1-866-774-SHOE.

About Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls®:
Shoes for Orphan Souls®, the largest humanitarian aid project of Buckner International, provides new shoes and socks to orphans and vulnerable children in the United States and throughout the world. From conducting shoe drives to humanitarian aid trips, Shoes for Orphan Souls offers hands-on opportunities to individuals, groups and organizations wanting to transform lives. Since 1999, Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls has delivered more than 3 million pairs of new shoes to children in 76 countries.

About Buckner:
For more than 136 years, Buckner International has been transforming lives through hands-on ministry, serving the most vulnerable from the beginning to the ending of life. Buckner is one of the oldest and most unique faith-based social service organizations of its kind, serving people each year in the United States and worldwide.

Lauri Ann Hanson, Buckner International, http://www.buckner.org, +1 (214) 931-9216, [email protected]