October 22, 2009

Dr. Rafi(left) Donating Combat boots to the Chief of Police(middle)

Today, we donated 36 pairs of combat boots we have collected over the last several months. Dr. Rafi called the Chief of the Afghan National Police (ANP) yesterday and arranged for them to pick the boots up this morning. The Chief of Police himself came and picked them up.

Every time we visited the district (police) center, we noticed that most of the police officers were out of uniform; they wore whatever shoes were available to them. A lot of them did not own a pair of combat boots.

We considered donating the boots to some other organizations, but Dr. Rafi, Asad, and I agreed ANP can benefit the most from our gifts.

I remember, in the beginning, going soldier to soldier asking for a pair of used combat boots that they no longer considered wearing. Some looked at me strangely and needed extensive explanation of my intention. Some did not agree….. Some argued if what I do would even be appreciated….. But most of them were happy to give away their old pairs of boots and help. =)

loading combat boots to the truck

We gave the 36 pairs of collected combat boots to the chief. The Chief was happy, and we wished him the best success.