Founded by Samuel Bistrian, 28, who immigrated to the United States from Romania when he was a small boy, Roma Provisions takes its name from the children it hopes to benefit --- the Roma population of Central and Eastern Europe. "When I visited Romania during the winter months to visit family, I truly saw the urgency for someone to help," Bistrian says. "I watched children walk to school in knee-deep snow with terribly worn shoes. In one town I saw a young girl out in the freezing slush carrying a bundle of firewood and wearing only a pair of sandals.

Having grown up in a small village in Romania, I lived through many of those treacherous days. I walked to school, played and did my chores outside until my feet were frozen. I also remembered one of my favorite winter gifts --- a pair of rubber boots passed down from my three older brothers." Bistrian felt compelled to help and saw rain boots as the most practical solution to this grave situation. He founded Roma Provisions with the generous help of friends, family and many volunteers.

Learn more:

romaboots.org