Youth Explosion Shoe Drive

Hi my name is Deborah Staples,

I’m a Kindergarten teacher at East Linden Elementary School, where we have an enrollment of about 300-325 students. I’ve been teaching school for more than 20 years and I have seen students experience many challenges in their life. I’m also a Pastor and the founder of the Joy Walker ministry in Columbus Ohio. During the pandemic so many families have journey through hardships and emotional trauma regarding trying to meet their children needs. As I began to seek the Lord for direction in blessing the students, the first thing that came to my heart were their shoes.

My heart is saddened as I watch students arriving at our school in shoes that are too small, too big, holes in the bottom, no shoe strings, faded, torn in places where the rain, and the snow can enter in, but they still arrive with smiles and laughter as they begin their day of learning. During my prayer time, it was revealed to me, wouldn’t it be a blessing to place shoes on the feet of children that deserve to walk and run without any shame regarding their shoes.

My prayer is that you will consider partnering with me at East Linden Elementary School to provide donations to purchase shoes for the children grades k-5. Your donation or sponsorship is greatly appreciated for the children at East Linden Elementary school. Thank you for any support and love for the children.

Sincerely,

Pastor/Educator Deborah Staples