Church Donates Over 1,000 Sneakers To Local Families At Back-To-School Giveaway Event
-Church Donates Sneakers To Families At School Giveaway Event
A non denominational church in Massachusetts has demonstrated a heart of love towards people, as they distributed over 1,000 pairs of sneakers and school supplies to local low-income families.
The Springfield campus of the multisite Vox Church partnered with the local chapter of the Boys & Girls Club to host this giveaway in which several families benefited from.
The Vox Springfield team member Dan Tedone, revealed all the children who came for the event where given a pair of sneakers and a bag full of school supplies.
“Vox Church is grateful to Health New England, Yankee Home Improvement, Springfield Together, and Bethany Assemblies of God as they donates additional cash to purchase the remaining sneakers for the families and provide funding for the event,” Tedone said.
This is the third year this event has taken place, as it gave around 600 pairs of sneakers to students in need in 2021 and gave away around 1,000 pairs in 2022.
“By the third year, the event has an amazing reputation in the city and local businesses and churches were ready to donate funds or products,” Tedone said.
“Many of Springfield’s leaders joined the event, from the mayor of Springfield to a state Senate representative to City Council members. This wouldn’t have been possible without support from numerous community partners.”
Tedone said that the event remains unique in that aside from receiving new sneakers and backpacks, each child that walks through the doors experiences hope.
“We don’t merely give the students new sneakers. A volunteer sits down across from them, asks them their name, how old they are, what they like to do, and then asks if they can take off their shoes and wash their feet,” he explained.
“Every child has the option to say no, and we will always respect their decision, but over 95% of the students in attendance say yes. Volunteers wash the student’s feet, explaining that we serve because Jesus served us. In many cases, this action leads to an opportunity to pray with the child and the parents.”
Tedone further explained that it “demonstrates the hope and love of Jesus to children and families in the City of Springfield”.
