Back to School Shoes
By Rev. Timothy D. Dorsey, 2nd Episcopal District
The Richmond Partnership of Churches hosted its 12th annual “New Shoes for Back to School” initiative at two locations—Third Street Bethel AME Church and George Wythe High School. Thousands of area students of all ages were able to receive a free pair of shoes to start the new school year.
It was a busy day with volunteers showing up as early as 6:30 am to ensure that everything was in place when the doors opened at 8:00 am. Parents and students were in line as early as 4:00 am. This year, Third Street Bethel was able to hand out over 700 pairs of shoes and those that were left over were donated to ministries across our great Zion. In the 12 years that this ministry has been in existence, more than 82,000 pairs of shoes have been given to students.
“To see them walk into the room, it’s like Christmas morning,” Rita Willis, who is with the Richmond Partnership of Churches, said. “We have kind of become a part of school opening. Because, it’s like, the kids boarded the bus this morning with their new pair of shoes,” she added.
Along with receiving shoes, the first 50 students in line were able to receive a book bag filled with supplies from the Richard Allen Young Adult Council. This was no easy task to accomplish. The planning for this event begins as far back as February with receiving donations from various vendors and donors.
Pictured from left to right: Lori Smith, local RAYAC President; Chelsea Carter; Timothy D. Dorsey, young adult minister and Connectional RAYAC Parliamentarian; and LaShara Smith, former local RAYAC President
Pictured from left to right are members of RAYAC: Lori Smith, local RAYAC President; Chelsea Carter; Timothy D. Dorsey, young adult minister and Connectional RAYAC Parliamentarian; and Joel Lomnick, church trustee
Volunteers from various ministries that make up the New Shoes Back to School Ministry
