no fence in her heart
Connie Sikkema only has four weeks to pull off a miracle.
Sikkema is the director of the migrant mission of Tampa’s Messiah Lutheran Church. She began the outreach nearly 20 years ago and runs it entirely on donations.
She freely admits she was biased for many years until, she says, the Lord opened her heart. Now she often spends seven days a week helping those without to just get by.
The anti-immigrant fervor that seems to be sweeping the country makes her job more difficult. What she want most of all is for the children of the immigrants - many of whom were born in the United States - to be successful in school.
But they are often without shoes, clothes, shampoo, other personal hygiene items, paper, pencils, food, hair cuts, back backs.
“We are trying to build the self-esteem of these children of the fields so they can be productive citizens and keep them away from drugs and crime,” says Sikkema. “The only way to break the cycle of poverty is to KEEP THEM IN SCHOOL.”
At least twice a year, Sikkema holds an outreach to provide some of the basics to about 400 kids in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
This year’s back-to-school event is Aug. 4 at the Planteen Recreation Center at 301 Dort St., in Plant City.
No. 1 on Sikkema’s wish list are new shoes - the sturdy athletic variety that will last awhile. But socks, underwear, school supplies, backpacks and folks who can cut hair rank No. 2 with a bullet.
If you can help in any way, contact Sikkema at Conniesikkema@aol.com; or at the church, (813) 960-0170, or on her cell phone, (813) 610-6061.
If you can’t shop for any of the needed items, money works just fine. Send a check to Messiah Luther Church Migrant Ministries, 14920 Hutchison Rd., Tampa, FL 33625.
Tags: diversity, education, good works, non-profit, tampa
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June 21st, 2007 at 5:03 pm
I’ve read of connie before and will be happy to help.
However, I take issue with the idea that ‘anti-immigrant’ fervor is sweeping the country.
We’re ALL immigrants.
And, no one should EVER forget that.