Mass Media Coverage

Article reproduced with permission of the publisher: Marshall News Messenger

Marshall Supports Orphans

By ROBIN Y. RICHARDSON

Wednesday, November 24, 2004

Today, many are thankful for their families, friends and blessings seen and unseen.

Hope Run co-organizers Sally Allred and John Lundstedt along with more than 200 orphans are grateful for the people of Marshall and others who helped make this year's second annual Hope Run a success.

"There were a lot of enthusiastic participants and tons of volunteers so it went well," Ms. Allred said, noting about 40 people participated in the event earlier this month. Money raised helps children at the St. Joseph House of Hope Village School and Orphanage in Mombasa, Kenya. Some are as young as 5 years old.

Organizers recently tallied up the funds raised, which was approximately $1,300 and more is pouring in from people who wish to donate to help the children.

"It's a lot for here, but for Kenya it's a ton," Ms. Allred said. She said even $100 of her personal funds provided three mattresses and three new beds for the orphanage.

Funds raised from the Hope Run will be sent to the orphanage monthly to help support their needs.

"We're praying about it and trying to decide how they would need it," Ms. Allred said. Last year the money paid for medical bills, provided crutches for kids with broken bones due to malnutrition, paid teachers' salaries and other things.

Ms. Allred organized the Hope Run after visiting Kenya while in college.

She was encouraged by a college friend to visit the orphanage ran by his sister, Carol Bockle, after expressing her desire to help others in Africa.

It's been a blessing to Ms. Allred ever since.

She is amazed "God's given me the opportunity to do this."

The Hope Run co-organizer is just grateful for the outpouring of giving from the community and so are the orphans.

"The neat part is not as many participated, but many donated," she said. "Even still, a lady called and said she would donate monthly."

The orphanage was started by Bockle, a 30 something-year-old mother from Nairobi, in 1998 to provide the children with an education, trade skills, medical attention and spiritual needs.

There are currently 270 students enrolled in the school, 15 full-time staff and about 12 children residing in the new dorm funded by Cypress Valley Bible Church.

Ms. Allred gave hand crafted items from Kenya as prizes during the event to show her appreciation.

She said she and Lundstedt appreciate all volunteers, participants and sponsors including East Texas Sports Center, Texas Bank and Trust, the Print Shop, Homero's and Super-One foods for their contributions to make the event a success.

And whether they donated, T-shirts, ice, water or refreshments, "Everyone gave a little and it all came together perfectly," she said.

Contact staff writer Robin Y. Richardson via e-mail at: ryrichardson@coxnews.com; or by phone at (903) 927-5964.

Article reproduced with permission of the publisher: Marshall News Messenger