April 5, 2017

Hackettstown, N.J., April 5, 2017 – Seven Centenary University students recently traveled to the Dominican Republic during their spring break with one goal in mind – to make a difference. This group worked with Soles4Souls, Inc. an international anti-poverty organization that monetizes used shoes and clothing to create sustainable jobs and fund direct relief efforts, including distribution of new shoes and clothing.

Seven students and Adjunct Professor Anjana Desai joined representatives from Soles4Souls, to distribute shoes to upwards of 1,000 children. This is the fourth time in recent years that Centenary has travelled with Soles4Souls, Inc. though it is the first time that they embarked on their own private trip without other groups. In addition, all volunteers participated in washing the children’s feet and playing games with them during their stay.

“Travelling to the Dominican Republic with Soles4Souls was an incredible, eye opening experience that left me with so many memories,” says Rebecca Raymond, a Senior from Long Valley. “The children we interacted with made me a better person, and left me with a reason to smile every day. Seeing the kids’ faces light up as we put new shoes on their feet was truly an amazing feeling. The trip changed my life in so many ways and I will forever be grateful for this experience.”

Centenary student Roberto Romero attended a similar trip through Centenary University two years ago and reached out to Centenary administration to suggest that this project was re-established this year as his experience was a life changing opportunity.

“This is a life changing experience, not just for me as a student, but for the people in the country,” says Romero, a Senior from Newark. “They might not remember me, or my face, but they will remember the feeling of somebody caring.”

About Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls, Inc. is a nonprofit social enterprise that advances the fight against global poverty by monetizing used shoes and clothing to create sustainable jobs and fund direct relief efforts around the world. The organization collects new and used shoes and clothes from individuals, schools, faith based institutions, civic organizations and corporate partners, then distributes those shoes and clothes both via direct donations to people in need and through qualified micro-enterprise programs designed to create jobs in poor and disadvantaged communities. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Soles4Souls is committed to the highest standards of operating and governance, and holds a four-star rating with Charity Navigator. Please visit www.soles4souls.org for more information.

 

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world.

 

Centenary University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County). The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in two locations: Parsippany Edison, online, as well as corporate sites throughout New Jersey.

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