You've probably heard of a food drive, but what about a shoe drive? Two local groups have joined forces this week to collect shoes for those in need in the Gainesville community.
The Latinos Conservative Organization (LCO) and Bridge The City will hold their shoe drive Thursday, Dec. 20 and distribute shoes the same day, according to Art Gallegos with LCO.
"We are going to primarily collect shoes...clean them up, wrap them up, put them in shoe boxes...and we're going to go out that same day to the local community and look for those areas that are in need...and give those out," Gallegos said in a phone interview.
He said volunteers with LCO and Bridge The City will start collecting shoes at 9 a.m. at 123 Green Street. Gallegos said they'll take all sizes and styles of shoes, but he said they have noticed a real need among men in the community.
"We're looking for all, but we do realize there's a great need for men's shoes," Gallegos said. "There's a lot of our veterans out here [on the streets]."
Donations should be gently used - or even new - since the people who receive the shoes will need to get some good use out of the items. Gallegos said they'll also accept sweaters, coats and scarves, but the big push is for shoes.
Gallegos said not only can people donate items, but also they can volunteer their time on Thursday.
"This is something we can all be a part of," Gallegos said. "We're accepting volunteers of all ages to come out that day - churches, youth - come out and be a part of this."
For more details on the shoe drive, contact Gallegos at 619-886-9344.
Good Tidings is a special AccessWDUN holiday series, highlighting the goodwill of groups and individuals during the Christmas season.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/12/745710/good-tidings-two-local-groups-collecting-shoes-this-week-for-gainesville-citizens-in-need