Happy Feet project illuminates girl's faith
By Chad Wilson
“As a newborn, Rachel was dedicated to God and we asked for her to be used to make a difference. At the age of 7, Rachel has a dream, a vision, a calling from God to make a difference,” her mother Amanda Beets said. “She has decided to collect 900 pair of shoes to give to kids that do not have shoes. See, Rachel absolutely loves shoes - more than toys, she loves shoes.”
Instead of toys, clothes or a fancy party, Rachel has asked her mom to help her give away 900 pairs of shoes by her eighth birthday, Jan. 21, 2014, as part of her project called, Rachel’s Happy Feet.
“As I was thinking about this I was overwhelmed, but reminded by a wonderful friend, that with God all things are possible,” Amanda Beets said.
Chandler Mayor Ann Hall serves on the board of the Rainbow Room and has served as the non-profit organization’s president in the past.
She too was blown away by Rachel’s desire to give back and said the Rainbow Room will do its best to accommodate all the donated shoes.
The Rainbow Room serves children from newborn to 18-years old who have been removed from their home by Child Protective Services.
“When a child is removed from a home, usually they have nothing except for the clothes on their back. We work with Child Protective Services case workers so when they remove a child, they are able to bring them to the Rainbow Room and get new clothes or personal hygiene items,” Hall said.
Several organizations have jumped on board to help collect 900 pairs of shoes but donations of new shoes for all ages are still needed.
Donation drop spots are set up across Henderson County including Citizens National Bank locations in Chandler, Athens and Malakoff.
As word spread about the project, international children’s shoe maker Rachel Shoes has contacted the Beets family willing to donate a significant amount of shoes to the project.
“I am speechless,” Amanda Beets said. “The company who makes Rachel Shoes will be donating an undisclosed amount of shoes to Rachel’s Happy Feet.”
To follow the journey of collecting 900 pairs of shoes.... 1,800 total shoes, join the Facebook group Rachel’s Happy Feet.
To stay up-to-date on the amount of shoes collected, or to make a monetary donation, visit http://www.ccltelevision.com/rachel-s-happy-feet
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