Russian-born girls learn value of giving back

By Analiz González
Buckner International

(SMITHVILLE, Ohio) — Victoria, 9, and Michaela, 7, went on the air at Smithville Elementary School television and asked the children to donate Shoes for Orphan Souls.

SOS is a ministry of Buckner International, sending shoes to needy children around the world. Victoria and Michaela Wurst, who were adopted from Russia, asked that the shoes be sent to that country.

"They shared with the other kids that they were adopted and said that kids over there don't have all the shoes and socks and clothes that they need," said Denise Wurst, the girls' mother." There was talk throughout the school about Russia. So it turned into its own little lesson about Russian culture as well as giving."

The shoe drive, hosted by Smithville and Marshallville elementary schools, began on Nov. 27 and the shoes poured in through mid January.

Wurst said her daughters were most struck by the response they received from the small community.

"We have a total elementary student body of less than 500 students and are located in rural Wayne County, Ohio," she said." (It was their) kindness that allowed us to donate 109 pairs of shoes, 145 pairs of socks and 53 pairs of shoelaces.

"We have an incredibly faithful, unselfish and giving group of people here. I'd like to think that we will pass those thoughts, behaviors and values down to our children."