At New 2 You, we are continually overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. The abundance of donations we receive allows us to extend that generosity beyond our doors. One way we’ve been able to give back to our community is by partnering with Grand Rapids Christian High School (GRCHS) to send kids’ shoes to the Dominican Republic—a vital item for many families in need.

For the past eight years, Frank Padilla, Kyla Padilla, and Tricia Nelson have led GRCHS students on mission trips to the Dominican Republic through the school’s Winterim program. Working alongside a local ministry, the group engages in service projects, teaches Bible lessons, and shares Christ’s love with young students. As part of their mission, they bring duffle bags filled with gently used shoes to distribute within the community.

New 2 You has been proud to partner in this mission for the last six years, alongside Gazelle Sports and Meijer. These shoes meet a critical need for many families who cannot afford them. Each year, the high school students deliver these shoes as part of their work at Sociedad Lucas, a ministry that began as a medical outreach and has since expanded into a thriving school—the largest in the district.

The impact of Sociedad Lucas is made possible through partnerships with organizations and individuals around the world. In an area with limited resources, support from groups like GRCHS and corporate donors in Grand Rapids enables the ministry to flourish. The team approaches each trip with a heart of humility, asking Dr. Silvia, Sociedad Lucas’ director, how they can best serve her vision for the community.

This January, the team will travel with another group of students from GRCHS, bringing Christ’s love and tangible resources to the Dominican Republic. Thanks to an abundance of shoes donated this year, they’ve reached their carrying capacity. However, they are seeking help to cover shipping costs—each duffle bag (containing 20–50 pairs of shoes) costs $45 to send.

If you feel called to support this mission by sponsoring a bag, please reach out to new2you@grcs.org. This is a way that we can continue being a blessing in our global community.