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Q&A: What's so great about volunteering?

[caption id="attachment_5862" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Lana Albers (far left) has been volunteering at the Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid for six months with a group from her church."][/caption]

Lana Albers has been volunteering with Shoes for Orphan Souls for six months now as part of her senior adult group from First Baptist Church in Richardson, Texas. Volunteers at the Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid sort shoes, pack them for shipment, write notes to the children who will receive shoes and assist with processing other types of humanitarian aid. Here, Lana shares her thoughts on volunteering and how it feels to make a difference in the lives of children around the world.

Q: What do you like most about volunteering at the warehouse?

“I love volunteering at the warehouse and feeling like I may be doing something for someone in need. I also love being with my friends on those days. We have such fun.”

Q: What do you think about when you’re processing shoes or packing boxes?

“We discuss how happy someone might be to get whatever we are packaging. When we were doing the toys for Christmas, we took everything so seriously. We wanted the right combination for each child (even though we had no idea about the child.) When we see a cute pair of shoes, we squeal with delight. Then we try to put just the right note into each pair of shoes.”

Q: What keeps you coming back month after month?

“Love – God's love. I so want to be his hands and feet in our world today. We sorted school supplies and backpacks in August to be sent to Peru, but they were not delivered until December [on the Christmas in Peru mission trip]. I could not wait to hear about the trip to Peru, and to know the blessings. I understand Steve [Singleton, Buckner logistics coordinator who went to Peru as a trip leader] when he said he was more blessed by being able to go. When we saw him in January, he was all smiles - ear to ear. I feel blessed by being a part of this wonderful mission.”

Q: What are some different things you’ve done as a volunteer at the warehouse?

“We have sorted school supplies for Peru, sorted shoes, sorted socks and selected toys for children at Christmas.”

Q: Why does the Shoes for Orphan Souls mission resonate with you?

“Shoes are so basic. Children need shoes, and it warms my heart that this small task can be so meaningful. I see it as akin to ‘washing feet.’ I want God to be glorified.”

If you live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and would like to work as a volunteer at our warehouse, click here. You can also get involved in Shoes for Orphan Souls by hosting a shoe drive.

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