2nd Annual Pinellas County Community Shoe Drive for Kids

In 2023, after hearing from a teacher that a child in Pinellas County had to cut holes in the shoes to accomodate his toes, a group of friends raised private funds to not only buy that child some shoes, but they raised money that took care of several disadvantaged kids.  The money was given to the teacher who passed the gifts on to the kids, and the idea was born for something much larger.

Community activists from across the county got involved in what truly was a "reach across the county" effort that was affiliated with no specific church or organization, but just community leaders stepping up for kids.  Soon, churches, businesses, and community groups stepped up.  In 2023, over 900 pairs of shoes (plus socks not included in that number) were donated by Pinellas County residents from 20 drop locations across Pinellas County.  The shoes were distributed directly to schools by volunteers, who then administered the distribution to children in need.

The 2nd annual shoe and sock drive is kicking off now in Pinellas County.  A list of dropoff locations should be added to Tidings Media by the end of the week.  If you want your business or organization to be added as a drop off location, email pr@tidings.media with your name, your organization name, a contact phone number and the drop off address.  We will forward your information on to event organizers that will contact you with additional details. 

And, if you are going to buy some shoes in advance for drop off, last year we needed more larger size shoes for high school boys and girls, and more socks for all sizes.  

Tidings Media is not organizing or sponsoring this event, although we support the effort and the community rallying together for kids.  Tidings Media will be making a donation of shoes and socks to the second annual appeal.  

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