Introducing,
SharingRays ofHope
Rachel Goliath Lumpkin, affectionately known as Winnie, was raised by her grandparents after losing her mother at just seven months old. When her father was unable to raise his four young children, her grandparents stepped in—despite limited means and her grandfather’s fragile health—and opened their two-room home to her and her siblings. Already caring for many of their grandchildren, they raised Rachel in a crowded but loving household defined by sacrifice, faith, and resilience.
Rachel lost her grandfather when she was eight years old, yet her grandmother continued on with unwavering strength, guiding her through childhood and into young adulthood. She passed away during Rachel’s second month of college, having fulfilled her promise to see her granddaughter educated and prepared for life. Though her upbringing was marked by loss and uncertainty, Rachel never went without food, shelter, or care. Instead, she grew up surrounded by the quiet devotion of extended caregivers who made sure every child in their care was protected, clothed, and loved.
From an early age, this experience shaped Rachel’s deep tenderness toward children who grow up without their parents and her profound respect for the grandparents, aunts, and guardians who step in to raise them. That lived experience became the heart of her mission. Today, Rachel carries forward her grandparents’ legacy through Sharing RaysofHope, a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting children raised by alternative caregivers and strengthening the families who selflessly step in when it matters most.
Who We Serve
The Kroonvale township of Graaff-Reinet, South Africa, is home to families whose daily lives are shaped by resilience in the face of poverty, unemployment, and limited access to basic resources. Children are often the most affected—particularly those growing up without the care of their parents.
In this community, grandparents, aunts, and extended family members frequently step in to raise children as their own. These caregivers give everything they have, often with very little, stretching scarce resources to provide food, shelter, and love. Their strength is extraordinary, but the need remains great.
Sharing RaysofHope began by providing sandwiches to school-aged children on weekends, when schools were closed and meals were unavailable. On Sundays, a cooked meal of chicken, rice, and vegetables was also shared. As word spread, the need quickly grew beyond what could be sustainably managed, making it difficult to ensure that the most vulnerable children were consistently reached.
In response, the organization shifted its approach to focus on families in greatest need. Five motherless households were initially identified, allowing support to be more intentional and impactful. Today, Sharing RaysofHope provides weekly food parcels to ten families, supplying essential food staples to nourish a household for a week or more. In addition to food, families receive basic hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, and sanitary napkins—meeting both physical needs and restoring dignity.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every child has access to nourishing meals—free from hunger and full of possibility. A world where a full plate fuels learning, growth, and hope, and where compassionate care helps build healthier families and brighter futures, one meal and one child at a time.
$20 can feed an entire family
Our Mission
To relieve hunger by providing nutritious food, essential supplies, and consistent support to vulnerable children and families within underserved communities.
Impact Stories
Shelter, Safety, and Hope
A neighborhood family had been surviving in a pig stye, living among animals in conditions no family should endure. When a fire destroyed what little shelter they had, they were left with nothing. We stepped in immediately — securing safe rehoming, providing warm meals, and supplying new clothing.
Among those affected was a school-aged girl who had been unable to attend classes due to the lack of a school uniform and basic resources. We provided her with a uniform and the support needed to reenroll, helping her return to school with dignity and a renewed sense of possibility. In the midst of devastation, our work focused on more than crisis response. It was about restoring safety, stability, and hope.
Seeing Her Potential
A young girl was falling behind in school despite her best efforts. She studied, showed up, and tried again and again, but nothing seemed to change. It was later discovered that she could not see the board clearly, and her family had no means to afford an eye exam or glasses. We stepped in to cover the cost of vision care and provide her with glasses. With the simple ability to see, everything shifted. She is now thriving in school, participating with confidence, and excelling in her studies, a reminder that sometimes the smallest interventions can unlock the biggest futures.
Other Initiatives: Easter and School Shoe Drive
Easter is a time of renewal, celebration, and deep spiritual meaning in South Africa. For many local children, having new clothes for the holiday is an important tradition, yet often out of reach. Through our Easter initiative, we provided children with new outfits so they could celebrate with confidence and joy. In honoring this season, we offered more than clothing. We helped children step into Easter feeling included, dignified, and cared for.
Through our shoe drive, Sharing Rays of Hope provided children with proper, well-fitting school shoes to support their mobility, education, and confidence.
Our Team
Marsha Wildschut
Administrator
BOARD MEMBERS:
Amber Goliath
Brenna Goliath
Julian T.S Lumpkin