By Vanessa Overholser - Staff Writer
Haiti was left in ruins after an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 rocked the country. Many nations across the world united in efforts to bring relief to the poverty-stricken nation. One local business owner made her contribution and organized a shoe donation effort.
Angie Anderson is the owner of Tri-Medical Medical, an equipment store that specializes in diabetic, foot, ear supplies and medical bracing. She received a phone call about making a shoe donation to Haiti.
“I started to put a shoe drive together for Haiti after my pastor Harley Sexton asked me if I had a few shoes I would donate,” Anderson said. “I was thinking that a few pairs of shoes isn’t enough. I was thinking about all the kids that needed shoes on their feet and how I could help. I began to call people about making donations. I contacted Marvin Moore for the school system to make donations. He stated he would love for the schools to be involved.”
Anderson said she and an employee stopped everything they were doing to work on the shoe drive.
“Misty and I sent emails, faxes and phone calls to make this happen,” Anderson said.
She said it gave her joy to know that so many people cared about Haiti.
“It has been a blessing and it is truly amazing to see giving hearts in our community,” she said. “Especially when you are packing it up and you find a baby shoe.”
Anderson is grateful to everyone who helped make the shoe drive possible, she said.
“I would like to thank the Rowan County School System and a special thanks to Rowan County Middle School children,” she said. “They did a wonderful job in giving. The ladies in the office (RCMS) stated the kids enjoyed collecting the shoes. Also thanks to the First Church of God, New Life Victory Church, Morehead Clinic, Lakeside Christian Academy, Jennifer Anderson and the friends of Tri-State Medical.”
She welcomes everyone to make donations to her shoe drive.
“Please drop donations off to the Tri-State Medical office or contact us at 783-7053,” Anderson said. “We will be happy to all donations small and large.”
The store is located in the Blair Building on Main Street.
Sexton traveled to Florida Monday to make the first shipment of supplies to Haiti. Another shipment will be sent in late February.
“The Mountain Faith Missions will be leaving for Haiti on Feb. 22,” Anderson said. “We will continue giving to these souls. Regardless of what country or nation we are from, we are all God’s people and it could have been us that was devasted by an earthquake instead of Haiti. Continue praying for Haiti and thank God for his blessings.”
Shoe donations will be received until Feb. 18.
