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On a post-college trip to Guatemala last May, Diana Lopera had a sobering realization. Not only were most of the native children missing school because they had to work, they also werent wearing shoes, remembers the Ossining resident.
Its a drastic difference from America for sure, she said. I bought shoes for a few kids when I was there because everything is cheaper."
When she came back to the States, Lopera spread the word to her friends and family and encouraged them to donate shoes they didnt wear anymore. She then sent the shoes to her friend in Guatemala, who distributed them to the public.
Lopera has helped deliver over 100 pairs since last June. She is currently working on a website to raise awareness for the mission.
"We're still having a little trouble deciding on a name for the organization," Lopera joked.
She also uses her Facebook page to gather new donations. In the future, she hopes to include photographs of the people who receive the shoes.
It feels great to be doing something for people who really need it, she added.
Lopera graduated last May from Lehman College in the Bronx and now lives in Ossining with her husband Jherylyn and son Julian.
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