TOLEDO— Helping Hands of St. Louis’ 9th Annual Shoe Fest is coming up this weekend! Guests will be served in the side parking lot next to the Helping Hands of St. Louis campus, 443 Sixth St., Toledo, OH, with parking across the street.
Upwards of 50 volunteers will spend the morning at Helping Hands of St. Louis washing children’s feet and fitting them with new shoes and socks to get their school year off on the right foot. Helping Hands Clothing Center will also host a Sidewalk Clothing Give-Away.
“Each year we’ve provided new shoes and school supplies to hundreds of school-age children,” says Sue Shrewsbery, Director of Helping Hands of St. Louis. She notes children must be present to be fitted for shoes, as shoes cannot be exchanged. Face painting, balloons, games and children’s activities will keep the youngsters occupied as they wait their turn. First come, first served.
“Donations of new athletic shoes and socks are still welcomed, toddler sizes 10 up to adult size 10,” Shrewsbery adds. “We typically give away over 600 pairs of shoes, so your donations are greatly appreciated! We focus on East Toledo families, but no child will be turned away, if we have their shoe size.”
Donations of new and gently used children's books are needed. Donations of children’s backpacks, plastic pencil boxes and school supplies such as paper, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, glue sticks, dry-erase markers, hand sanitizer, tissues and Ziploc bags are also welcomed.
Donations can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Helping Hands of St. Louis 2nd floor Office, 443 Sixth St., Toledo, OH, through Friday, August 5.
Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to sort shoes and set-up on Friday, August 5. Volunteers are also needed from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, both adults and teens (who must be accompanied by an adult). Call the Helping Hands of St. Louis Office at 419.691.0613, ext. 101, if you are interested in becoming a tent sponsor, making donations, or volunteering.
