‘Shoes 4 School’ distributes shoes to students before the school year

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A local organization is helping kids start the school year off right with a brand new pair of shoes.

Sunday will be the “Shoes 4 School” event at the Civic Center and Pastor Quincy Griffin of the Family Worship and Praise Center church, along with other volunteers, will provide shoes for 4,000 students across the county.

“For parents who are struggling right now, wondering how they’re going to get new shoes for their students, they don’t have to worry anymore,” Griffin said.

Griffin said people dropped off shoe donations and the group was at APB to buy shoes to help achieve their goal.

“We saw the tears from the parents, the tears from the kids and we got huge hugs, so we’re thrilled about that,” Griffin said.

Griffin said he’s collected around 3,000 shoes so far, just 1,000 less than their goal. They serve K-12 students with pre-recorded donations.

Those who haven’t pre-registered at this point can still line up around 11 a.m. Sunday and receive a brand new pair of shoes.

“It’s a beautiful thing to be able to get some of the best for these kids,” said Matt St. Fleur, a buyer for the Shoes 4 School organization. “Jordan, Adidas, Nike, all the brands they like.”

St. Fleur said that in the last few years they’ve held this event, they’ve spent about $60,000 on kids’ shoes.

“If we’re able to help that by giving them something to be proud of with a brand new pair of shoes, we’re happy,” St. Fleur said.

Anyone who wants to help donate can go to shoes4school.org or text 850-900-3972.

Shoes can be dropped off at 1609 Branch Street from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until Sunday’s event.

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