Convoy of Hope intern Olivia Clanton was helping hand out shoes to honored guests at ‘The Convoy of Hope’ 50-state community outreach tour in Kansas City, Mo., when one teenager’s story changed her perspective on life.
“I could tell he was having a hard time,” says Olivia. “And he said he was wearing his sister’s shoes.”
When Olivia handed the boy a new pair of shoes, she says his response nearly brought her to tears and made her realize the things she takes for granted.
“Thank you,” he told her. “This is the first pair of shoes I’ve ever owned.”
Olivia was one of 2,093 volunteers who worked to serve the nearly 8,000 guests in attendance who were given free food, hair-cuts, health screenings, job advice and more. She was joined by 20 other Convoy of Hope interns.
“This is the biggest internship group we’ve ever had,” says Matt Wilkie, director of Convoy of Hope Interns. “I was impressed with how fast everybody connected with each other and how hard each of them worked at the event.”
Interns Paige Waggoner and Sam Huffman both said that it felt amazing to know that they helped change someone’s life. Aaron Rodriguez, also an intern, was reminded through the stories of these broken people that there are vast needs everywhere that need to be met.
Learn more about the Convoy of Hope Interns at cohinterns.org.
“The burden of this nation’s economic situation on families can become insurmountable,” says Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope. “We realize that a poverty-free day where we can give someone a new pair of shoes or a hot meal can often make a big difference in their life.”
Fifty-three organizations and sixty churches partnered with Convoy of Hope for the outreach.
Click here for upcoming tour dates.
By Jordan De Los Santos
