JoAnn and Bill Clotworthy of Spinnaker Cove want to help fill a cargo container with 30,000 pairs of shoes for people in Uganda who have none. The Clotworthys were touched by an article they read in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about Juma Semakula, a native of Uganda who is now a green-card resident of Richmond. Semakula is a graduate of Huguenot High School and is the owner of Juma’s Expert Lawn Services in Richmond’s West End. His goal is to become an American citizen.

On a trip to Uganda in 2002, Semakula met and married his wife. Semakula works hard to support his wife and their two sons, who will remain in Uganda until they are able to join him in Richmond. Semakula is also on a mission to help the poorest citizens of Uganda, those who do not own even one pair of shoes, by collecting, shipping and distributing 30,000 pairs.

The Clotworthys have been busy contacting friends, neighbors, and members of local organizations, such as Brandermill Woman’s Club, asking them to help get the word out, and urging them to dig into their closets and attics for donations. The shoes can be gently used, and all styles are welcome. Children’s shoes and adult shoes are needed, including house slippers, sports shoes, dress shoes, and even high heels.

At press time, 900 pairs of shoes had been collected, including 200 pairs donated by WalMart.
The BCA office and The Brandermill Church are collection sites.

The deadline for shoe collection at the BCA is Friday, November 20. Hopefully, the cargo-container filled with shoes will reach Uganda by Christmas.

For more information about the shoe donation project, please call the Clotworthys at 608-0115.