Event in New Douglas will help African children get needed shoes

Old blue jeans will turned into shoes during an event planned in New Douglas to help children in the East African country of Uganda.

“We will be cutting pieces of old denim according to patterns, to be sewn together into shoes, for children suffering from a very painful and debilitating condition caused by Jiggers,” said Stephanie McNealy, who is helping organize the event.

The event helping to support the Sole Hope (www.solehope.org) and will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26 at the New Douglas Community Center, 123 South Main St.

Children 9 and under are welcome to help trace and/or cut denim when accompanied by an adult. Drinks will be provided, and snacks are being worked on. There may even be a door prize or two.

McNealy will be collecting supplies for this event, for those who would like to donate, however it is not a requirement to attend and participate.

Supplies that are needed:

▪ Denim jeans,

▪ Plastic milk or detergent bottles ,

▪ Scissors for cutting denim,

▪ Sharpie markers, and

▪ Gallon Ziploc bags.

If you would like to help sponsor shoes monetarily, here is what $10 per pair of cut shoes will cover:

▪ $3 to pay the Ugandan tailor;

▪ $3 to pay the Ugandan shoemaker;

▪ $2 to purchase supplies to finish the shoes; and

▪ $2 to get shoes to Uganda.

To donate, or for more information, call Stephanie McNealy at (217) 456-6161.

This story was originally published February 22, 2016 at 7:01 AM with the headline "Event in New Douglas will help African children get needed shoes."