NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Samaritan's Feet and the National Federation of High Schools teamed up with Pearl Cohn High School on Tuesday to distribute a new pair of athletic shoes and socks to members of the community, as well as middle and high school students.
"Today really is about sharing hope and love with impoverished families here in Nashville," explained Marketing Director Todd Melloh of Samaritan's Feet said.
More than 100 volunteers worked to help make the event a success.
"Today is about helping the community," said Pearl Cohn Football Coach Tony Brunetti. "Samaritan's Feet came and asked if we would help them sponsor this activity and we said sure we will help you. Come on in and we will work together and get it done."
Tuesday's shoe drive was about more than just giving away shoes.
Volunteers also made an effort to get to know the community in a unique way by washing each recipient's feet before placing a new pair of socks and shoes on them.
"It is a display of servant leadership by washing their feet and compassionately treating them with dignity and respect," Melloh told Nashville's News 2.
Samaritan's Feet said their mission is to help families stretch an already tight budget in foreign countries and here at home by providing a free pair of shoes.
"There are so many economic problems our country is facing right now that a lot of the kids that show up are wearing sizes that are two or three sizes too small or they are wearing shoes with tape on them. So really there is a huge need here domestically," said Melloh.
Samaritan's Feet will distribute approximately 32,000 pairs of shoes in over 66 distributions around the country before school begins this fall.
Samaritan's Feet has partnered with high school, college and professional coaches to help raise awareness of the need for shoes.
Anyone who wants to provide one pair of shoes for someone in need you can simply text the word "SHOES" to 85944 and to make a $10 donation through your phone carrier.
