Mission volunteer Sandra isn’t in the midst of an easy season in life. Dealing with chronic pain and fighting several government agencies for compensation due to workplace injuries, she is giving her way to getting hope.

“The mission is what is keeping me going, mentally and physically, because it gives me a purpose. The rescue mission has given me the strength every day to know that, if I wake up and only get one pair of shoes donated, I’m helping someone else,” Sandra states.

Speaking of shoes, Sandra’s goal is to put a new pair on every one in need for the entire High Desert. She says, “With the help of my nephew and the rescue mission. I will succeed.” They launched a program that assists the mission called Happy Feet/Sole to Soul. From the donations of friends, family, and local businesses, they are able to provide for the needs of men, women, and children without proper footwear. At the mission’s backpack giveaway alone, 65 pairs of shoes and fresh socks were handed out.

Sandra is heavily involved with the mission’s other outreaches as well. “I get blessed every day I walk through the door. And to think someone would come to the mission and ask for me personally, for my help, is amazing. It brings me to tears. I make my rounds looking for shoe donations and it makes me feel good.”

And it was really easy to get involved. Mission director, Bill Edwards, sent her a card inviting her to stop by and meet him. She did, caught the giving bug, and is now an ambassador of kindness, shining forth through the mission.

Sandra has learned a secret to getting hope. It is that one must give hope to get it. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).” Volunteers at the mission have learned that right down to the soles of their feet.