LAURINBURG — At least once a month, Bright Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church gives out food to those in need. But on Tuesday, folkjs were able to get a few more items — including children’s shoes.
Boxes of brand new children’s shoes were donated by Walmart through Samaritan’s Feet, which is a non-profit based out of Charlotte that helps impoverished children around the world by getting them new shoes.
The shoes ranged from clogs to sneakers, and many came in various colors such as black or multi-colored or gray sparkles.
Many of the shoes were gone before the food giveaway began at 11:30. There were a few boxes of shoes left over and those leftover shoes will be donated to local schools and be given to social workers to give out to those students who need them, according to Bright Hopewell’s Rev. Garland Pierce.
Southeastern Food Bank in Fayetteville partners with the church to bring food to those residents in the area who need it and Pierce says he’s glad they were chosen to work with them.
“We’re set up at a good location, people can get in and out,” Pierce said. “We really got going after the flood, people really began to expect us to hold it and we’re glad to do it. It makes a difference in people’s lives.”
For one church member and volunteer, each of whom did not wish to be named, she enjoys coming out and helping hand out items to those in need.
“You have people who are in need and it’s a service for the community,” she said. “I enjoy coming out and giving to them every month.”
It’s equally important to those who come out to receive the food. One of those was Shaquanna Terry of Laurinburg, who got several pairs of shoes for her family members.
“I feel blessed and thankful,” Terry said. “This shows that Laurinburg is not being left behind and that people do care.”
