Never let it be said that Richland County is not connected to the outside world. In fact, a bond has been formed through efforts of a local church that has positively impacted the lives of those living thousands of miles away.
According to its website, the Malawi Orphan Care Project was born out of the outreach of First English Lutheran Church during Advent 2005 to address the needs of orphans in Malawi. In the years since that initial assistance, this support has led not only to provision of food, but also the establishment of a sports program, scholarships, payment of elementary school fees, and support for building infrastructure and fostering small business creation.
Orphans receiving assistance has now gone from 125 to over 1,000.
This month, a shoe drive is underway to assist the effort. For every 5 pairs of shoes donated to Malawi Orphan Care Project through the shoe drive, four meals can be provided for children in Malawai.
So find your unwanted yet still usable shoes, cleats, and sandals and bring them by November 30 to any of our drop off locations. Collection boxes are located at Mansfield Senior High and the Raemelton administration building.
Other locations accepting donations are the Bellville Post Office, Butler Post Office, and Stoodt’s Market.
According to project officials, donated footwear will be sold to entrepreneurs from third-world countries. The funds raised will enhance the Malawi feeding program which officials said is in a critical stage due to flooding which diminished crop yields. Project officials said they are providing one meal a day, six days a week for 1,000 orphans.
Source: Mansfield City Schools
