In honor of serving others, social worker offering to bathe feet

RUMFORD – Mitzi Sequoia learned as a child growing up in Greenville, S.C., that some people were capable of unconditional caring and giving of themselves.

“I have decided that I owe a debt of gratitude,” said the 53-year-old social worker and community activist.

In her 10 years since moving to Rumford, she has provided family education programs, and participated in numerous organizations as a volunteer. Before that, she was one of the first responders for victims of Hurricane Andrew in 1993 in Florida.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, she will lead a foot wash, a symbol in Christianity of servitude and serving others. In the Bible, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and Mary Magdalene washed the feet of Jesus and wiped them with her hair.

The local event marks national Make A Difference Day.

During past Make A Difference Days, Sequoia has offered a workshop on shaken-baby syndrome and has made people aware of the sexual abuse of children.

In fact, that year she walked alone, from Coos Canyon in Byron to Rumford, nearly 15 miles, carrying a sign stating that such atrocities happen to children.

The idea of a foot wash just came to her one day. She said some have been skeptical that anyone would participate in something this unusual, but she believes some people will be curious which may lead others to try it.

Each person who has a foot wash will receive a new pair of socks and shoes. Sequoia has been gathering these items from nonprofits, and is looking for more. One business, the Dollar Tree at the River Valley Crossing shopping center, has set out a box asking customers to donate the items.

Besides Sequoia, Dr. Angella Roberts, a chiropractor, and Kim Sequoia, also a social worker, will provide the foot washes. If the weather is too cold or wet, the event will be moved inside the Free Store. Those who wish to donate shoes, socks or time, or those who want more information on the event may call Sequoia at 364-7400. Any shoes or socks left over from the event will be donated to the Free Store.

She said she remembers well the women of a Methodist mission in her South Carolina hometown when she was a child and into her early teens during the 1960s.

She said the women always had a variety of activities for the children every day after school, providing cookies and chocolate milk, and lots of things to do.

“Someone took the time to have something for the kids. I got to experience and see what these women did, their kindness and unconditional caring and giving. They never felt like people owed them anything,” she said.

And that’s how she wants the people who have their feet washed to feel.

“I have a lot to live up to – I want to give back to the community,” she said.