A Letter From a Friend

 We recently received an email from one of our favorite people. She needs our help, and you can help too! Ready? Okay. Read on!

"Greeting from Afghanistan!

Hey Ladies  & Gentlemen! Remember me?  Amanda from Hearts of Clay, but now I’m Amanda from Afghanistan….well, temporarily anyhow. I think everyone knows that I sold my beloved PYOP for the fun & excitement of an 1-year, all expenses paid trip to the mountains of Afg, thanks to the great US Army.  Well, we are having a fun time here, as much as can be had.  But, the reason I am emailing…..

Once a week I volunteer at hospital here on base that treats sick & injured Afghan men, woman, and children.  Well, when I say volunteer, what I really mean is I go hang out with the kids, read, play school-yard games, and assist with a small literacy program.  You know, kinda what we do in our studios, but with armed guards, and no glazing afterwards.  These children have really touched my heart and I want to do everything I can to make a difference and make their world a little brighter. 

This is where I need your help.  I need used children’s shoes.  So I am asking you to consider having a shoe drive this summer at your studio.

FAQs:

Why used shoes? Over the 10 years, there have been several shoe drives such as the one I am trying to have, and new American shoes have been found their way to the market to get sold.  Used shoes won’t sell at the market, so the kids get to keep them.  Yes, this is a sad fact of their way of life.

Why Aug 4^th? Its my husband’s birthday. Other than that, no real reason, your studio can pick whatever date is convenient for you.  We will set aside a date approx 2 weeks after all the shipments come in to hand out the shoes,  and we will have pictures of the happy kids & their shoes!

Why do these children not have shoes?  Well, the Taliban is a fundamentalist Islamic group that, once they took over Afg, banned women from working outside the home.  So, when most the male members of the families died in the last 30 years of war, women have very little means to provide for their children.  Any money earned goes towards food. 

OK, I have shoes….where do I send them?

Amanda Kane

228^th TTSB

BAF

APO, AE 09354

Thank you so much for your help, and I hope you choice to take on this small project that will have a lasting impact on these children for years. "