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PEQUANNOCK - Church collecting shoes for Iraqi children
(by Stephen Janoski - Staff Writer - September 03, 2008)
PEQUANNOCK - When Karen Kelly decided to return to school for her master’s degree this past January, she didn’t realize the effect that one post on the college Web site would have on her.
Kelly attends the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and is pursuing a master’s in international management as well as business administration.
While perusing the college Web site, she found a story posted by an active-duty army specialist known only as “Erika,” who is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree through UMUC’s online program.
Erika is also a young mother deployed in Iraq, and the poverty she has witnessed has moved her to do something about it.
"She has seen all of the Iraqi children who do not have shoes, toothpaste, and other basic healthcare items, and this reminded of her of her own young children. She went to the Military Advising Department of UMUC to see if there was some way that she could help," said Kelly.
This department helped Erika put out a call through the university’s Web site asking for as many donations of shoes as possible.
Kelly was immediately impressed with Erika’s views on the importance of education as well as her sympathetic sentiments in regards to the children of the war-torn nation.
"Erika wrote, 'Education is very important. Knowledge is power regardless of what race, color, gender, religion, or national origin you are,'" Kelly said.
“I could relate to her view of the world. Kids are kids. I don't care what country they're in; it doesn't matter."
Wanting to help, Kelly also got in contact with the university's Military Advisory Department, which told her that should she raise the items, it would send them to Erika in Iraq.
A cooperative effort
Through the Our Savior Lutheran Church and Sunday School in Pompton Plains, Kelly and her pastor, Mark Rossman, are now attempting to gather as many pairs of shoes as possible in order to have them shipped to Iraq, where they will be distributed to the Iraqi children.
“Mark is very proactive in supporting any kind of outreach program. We figured that people have little kids, and oftentimes shoes don't last because the children grow so quickly,” Kelly said.
Kelly is asking for as many pairs of sandals, moccasins or canvas shoes as possible. The shoes should be new or gently used, and can be any size, as the recipients will range from infants to school age children. Sneakers cannot be accepted.
Those wishing to contribute shoes can do so by bringing them to the church on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. They can also bring them Sunday between 8 a.m. and noon. All shoes must be in by Sept. 15.
Generous residents have donated nearly 20 pairs of shoes so far.
“We’re publicizing it in writing as well as verbally and trying to encourage people to participate,” said Rossman, who has led the congregation for nearly 15 years.
He also praised Kelly’s ambition with the project, as well as her willingness to volunteer to help the church.
“She’s a great part of this congregation because of the passion she has for these types of programs. She’s great at organizing, and she opens a lot of avenues for people to help through the community at large,” Rossman said.
A history of helping
A member of the congregation for nearly eight years, Kelly also teaches Sunday school and helps Pastor Rossman with other projects.
“I began teaching Sunday school when I was 16, right out of confirmation. I’ve had a number of different roles (since then),” Kelly said.
She is also regularly involved in stewardship programs through the church.
“I was raised that this is just part of life, and it’s what you do,” she said.
The Rev. Rossman said Our Savior Church has the same philosophy.
“We try to come up with different things to do outside of the church because that’s the nature of what we do — focus on what we can do for others as opposed for what we do for ourselves,” said Rossman.
Last year, Kelly led her Sunday school students in collecting money in order to purchase teddy bears to be distributed to local EMT stations.
“Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) have found that when they went to a scene where children were involved, if they did something as simple as simple as give a teddy bear to a child, it put a whole different spin on things for that child,” Kelly said.
The students saved $565 over the course of the year. Working with the teddy bear company, “First and Main,” they bought 199 teddy bears that were donated to local EMT stations in the surrounding towns for distribution to children. The presentation occurred last July.
“I think that’s just the culture of our congregation and the Sunday school children,” said Rossman.
Both Kelly and Rossman are hoping for a similar response from residents in this endeavor.
“Part of the reason we try to come up with a potpourri of stuff is because different things grab different individuals. Everyone has something to bring to the table, and varying projects mean different people can help,” said Rossman.
The church also has an ongoing relationship with Bridges Outreach of Summit, an outreach program for the homeless, as well as Habitat for Humanity.
“We try to help with whatever projects they set on the table. We’re doing a push for getting supplies for kids at summer camps, supplies for kids as they go back to school, we do presents around Christmas. We also help build houses with Habitat,” said Rossman.
Anyone wishing to have further information on the church’s activities can call 973-835-7350.
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