As a kid, there's nothing like the excitement of opening a box of brand new shoes. Yet, this moment is an experience many local kids have never known. A nonprofit in Spokane is working to change that.
Through Aug. 10, Mission Community Outreach Center in east Spokane is hosting its annual School Shoes for Kids shoe drive. The drive began eight years ago when the center realized many kids were coming in looking for shoes, which were always in low supply, says Ali Norris, Mission Community Outreach Center's office administrator.
Though the center regularly accepts donations of gently used shoes, this annual drive specifically seeks donations of brand new shoes and socks, which many low-income families in Spokane are not able to afford.
"There's something so exciting about giving a kid a pair of new shoes who has never gotten them," Norris says.
The center's shoe drive is accepting shoes for kids ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade, and staff hope to get shoes of all sizes and for girls and boys. As of now, Mission Community Outreach Center is in need of all sizes, but as time goes on, community members can call the center to see what it needs the most. Mainly, staff would like to receive athletic shoes because of their versatility.
In addition to providing shoes to kids in need, the drive also encourages local youth to give back. Norris says that she's seen many kids who've gotten shoes from the drive in the past return to volunteer years later.
If you're interested in getting involved, the center is in need of volunteers for a shoe distribution event on Aug. 17 and 18. For more information and to sign up, visit their website. Though the drive ends on Aug. 10, Norris says shoes are something the center always has a need for. Even if you miss the deadline, don't hesitate to bring in your donations.
Mission Community Outreach Center • 1906 E. Mission • 4mission.org • 536-1084
