‘New Shoes for Back to School’ planned Sept. 2

After distributing more than 80,000 pairs of new shoes to students in need during the past 17 years, the New Shoes for Back to School ministry is returning to Richmond for an in-person shoe-giveaway event on Labor Day, Sept. 2.

The event will be held at Third Street Bethel A.M.E, 614 North Third Street in Richmond, and is open to students from throughout the Metro Richmond area in grades K-12. Each child is eligible for one pair of shoes.

Families will be lined up outside the church beginning at 8 a.m. and will be given a number to mark their place in line. Families must stay together and wear masks. The event will run until 2 p.m.

A coalition of churches and a synagogue work together to make New Shoes for Back to School possible. This year’s participants include: Broad Rock Baptist, Ebenezer Baptist, First Baptist Midlothian, Lyndale Baptist, Sharon Baptist, Sixth Baptist, Spring Creek Baptist, Temple Beth-El, Third Street Bethel AME, and Trinity United Methodist.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Shoes for Back to School went to a “Plan B” and shoes were distributed through area schools. This year, however, the group decided to return to an in-person event. Any shoes left over after Labor Day will be donated to area Title 1 schools.

For details about how to donate shoes or make a monetary contribution, contact Rita Willis at rita.willis1@icloud.com.