December 5, 2001
The JOSHUA Foundation Launches Socks & Shoes Drive for Ugandan Children
Contact: Yolonda Walden, (202) 882-6333
y.walden@thejoshuafoundation.org

WASHINGTON, DC - The JOSHUA Foundation today announced the launch of a socks and shoes drive for needy children in Uganda, East Africa.

Founder and Executive Director, Edward Walden Jr., discovered that Ugandan children were losing digits because of a parasite that lives in the soil of Uganda, East Africa.

The Chigoe flea is a parasite that lives in the soil of sub-tropical climates, such as Uganda. The female species will attach itself to the foot and burrow itself under the toenail bed, causing intense pain and infection, often leading to spontaneous amputation of the toe.

"Thousands of children in Uganda are without shoes. These children have many other problems to deal with. It is important that these children's feet are protected from the devastating Chigoe flea. The Lord has led me in this effort to help these children. If we can provide them with socks and shoes to cover their feet, they will at least have a defense from this parasite. We have the opportunity to bless the Lord by being a blessing for thousands of suffering children who need our help," said Walden.

The JOSHUA Foundation's goal is to provide 500 Ugandan children with a pair of socks and shoes in March 2002. Walden will travel to Uganda in March to purchase the socks and shoes himself and present them to the children. The Foundation has partnered with The Molly and Paul Childcare Foundation in Uganda in this effort. Because the number of shoeless children in Uganda is so great, the Socks & Shoes Drive will be a continuous effort. The Foundation will solicit donations from all available sources.

Founded in 2001, by Executive Director, Edward Walden Jr., The JOSHUA Foundation is a global 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian organization serving poor and disadvantaged people. Its mission is to assist in the elimination of health and education disparities domestically and abroad.

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