When people think of Gary and Liz Stone’s Corner Stone Catering, they think of great food. This year, the Stones tried a new dish: shoes for the needy. And, it too is a great success.

By Holly Kennedy

When people think of Gary and Liz Stone’s Corner Stone Catering, they think of great food. This year, the Stones tried a new dish: shoes for the needy. And, it too is a great success.

 

Ever hear of the folk tale Stone Soup? It’s about some creative people who persuade a village to together create a magical soup, starting with one stone that ultimately feeds many.

 

It turns out Rye has its very own version of Stone Soup, only this story features five real Stones, along with hundreds of Rye residents, who created a magical moment for residents of a small village in Costa Rica.

 

“We wanted to see if we could do something to help the children in the village of Venado, where our family has had many happy experiences, but the people are very needy,” explained Gary. “Most of the children walk on hot and dusty roads without shoes.” He added, “When I saw the adults playing soccer barefoot I was determined to collect shoes and bring them the next time we visited.”

 

Over the course of four weeks, the Stone family put out a collection box in front of their store on Milton Road, and before they knew it, the bin was overflowing. Ultimately, over 300 pairs of shoes, 40 soccer balls, 6 soccer nets, 30 pairs of shin guards, and assorted clothing were collected.

 

Each Stone family member stuffed an extra duffel bag full of donations to transport them to Costa Rica. Rye residents came to their aid to assist with the extra baggage fees. And on a sunny day this winter, the Stones delivered Rye’s gifts to the Venado villagers.

 

“We are very grateful to everyone in Rye who helped make this first effort a success, and we are continuing the shoe drive this year,” said Gary. Donations can be dropped off in the bin outside.

 

It looks like another magical shoe soup will be brewing outside Corner Stone.

 

For more information, visit facebook.come/TacosParaTicos.