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By ALYSSA RICHARDSON
Communications Associate, Warsaw Community Schools

WARSAW — Enriching the lives of others continues to be at the forefront of what staff and students strive for at Harrison Elementary. Students will soon transform denim jeans and plastic into shoes for Ugandan children.

“The idea of Harrison Elementary and their sixth grade classes partnering with Sole Hope came to us while searching for guided reading books for our sixth grade students,” explained Melissa Landwerlen, Harrison teacher.“ We came across the book ‘A Long Walk to Water’ that told the story of the lost boys of Sudan. It was from there that we were inspired to read the book with every sixth-grader and complete a service project. During our search for the right service project, we came across Sole Hope.”

Sole Hope exists to provide medical care and shoes for Ugandan children. The program offers hope, healthier lives and freedom from foot related diseases through education, jobs and medical relief.

“Our service project begins with the collection of jeans, plastic folders and common medical supplies that can be found in any household across the United States,” stated Landwerlen. “The project continues with a shoe cutting party where students, staff and community members cut and prepare the denim to make shoes that are shipped to Uganda where the project is completed. It is a cooperative effort between Uganda, Sole Hope, WCS and Harrison Elementary School.”