Estimated reading time: 9 minute(s)
Originally published 12.19.09
The Largest Domestic Distribution of Shoes Happening Today in Houston
by Jesse Muhammad
As you may remember, I recently highlighted the Atlanta-based organization YES, Inc on my blog because of their wonderful efforts in collecting and distributing shoes for the shoeless in Senegal. (Read story here)
Well I was notified via email by an associate that two groups in Houston are on the verge of making the largest domestic distribution of shoes today, December 19, to 5,000 deserving Houstonians at The Community of Faith Church.
According to the press release I received, the organization Shoes of Hope Houston is launching an international effort with today’s holiday event. Shoes of Hope Houston (www.sohhouston.tumblr.com) is a joint venture with the global humanitarian mission, Samaritan’s Feet, to provide 5,000 underserved Houstonians with a pair of new shoes and socks.
“I am overwhelmed with joy and humility that we will be doing the biggest event we have ever done for so many families in need,†said Manny Ohonme, Founder of Samaritan’s Feet, who has an overall goal to distribute 10 million shoes around the world over the next 10 years.
“Manny and his team are a blessing to our community,†said Bishop Dixon, who heads The Community of Faith Church. “We are excited to reach out to our community in a compassionate way of washing their feet and sharing God’s love.”
The 5,000 children will have their feet washed, given a new pair of shoes, and touched with a message of hope. Celebrity foot washers will be Thomas Miles, “Uncle Tommy†Co-host of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, Larry Jones, “Bro Larry†Co-host of the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, State Representatives Sylvester Turner, District 139, and State Senator John Whitmire.
This is the largest shoe distribution in the history of Shoes of Hope Houston, and will mark its 85th distribution of the year. The Houston event is the subject of a pilot being filmed, documenting the global humanitarian efforts of Samaritan’s Feet.
Partners include: Rep. Al Green (TX-9), State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Council Member Jarvis Johnson, Coalition for the Homeless of Houston (www.homelesshouston.org), Radio One, FOX26 Houston, and the Kingdom Builders Global Fellowship. With these partners, Shoes of Hope Houston has identified needy families in the Houston area.
Three hundred million people awake each morning without a pair of shoes to protect their feet from injury and disease. Globally, over one million people die yearly of preventable diseases due to the lack of shoes. Samaritan’s Feet (www.samaritansfeet.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing lives through Shoes of Hope distributions around the world.
This nationwide effort has garnered the support of the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and various NCAA teams. In addition to events being held in the US, the 2010 calendar includes humanitarian trips to Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, Burundi, Brazil, and Peru.
If you would like to attend, volunteer or cover this event it is Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (11:00 Media Availability) at Community of Faith Church (1024 Pinemont, Houston, Texas, 77018).
Check back on Brother Jesse Blog for follow up photos and interviews.
