In The News
Charleston girl turns to India to help victims of human trafficking -- with shoes
Victoria Hansen ABC News 4, October 2013
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) – A 22-year-old with a passion for shoes is nothing new, but Erika McKelvey sews her own. What's more, she frequently travels the world teaching others her trade.
No, Erika Lynn McKelvey is not your typical college graduate.
"For the past 14 years I have been traveling to Romania on annual mission trips to work with the orphans, street kids, and impoverished," she said.
McKelvey got a rare glimpse of the world at a very young age. She met children, not much younger than herself, trapped in poverty. Many had no parents, no skills, no hope – no way out.
"When I was 13, we took two sewing machines over and I taught four young orphan girls how to make simple handbags," said McKelvey. "These girls, now aged out of the orphanage, hold full time jobs in a sewing factory."
"It was there that the idea of sharing my skills and talents with those in need began."
Meet Erika McKelvey; “Ever since then it’s been on my heart.”
Article by:
Kappie Kopp
Thursday, November 7, 2013
For 14 years, Erika McKelvey traveled to Romania with her family each summer to work with street kids and orphans. One summer, when she was 12 or 13, she brought along sewing machines to teach children basic techniques that might help them find safe work. In many ways, that particular experience sparked her interest in passing on skills to others.
