Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Over 350 pairs of shoes given to local students

 

COLUMBUS—On Saturday, the Columbus Baptist Church was bustling with activity as the Hope Chest hosted its fourth annual Fancy Feet Shoe Drive. Organizers gave out over 373 free pairs of shoes to local kids preparing to head back to school, an increase from the 226 pairs distributed in the previous year.

Donna Wood, the founder of both the Hope Chest and the Fancy Feet Shoe Drive, emphasized the importance of providing children with new shoes and socks as they start the school year. 

“We feel kids should start the school year with a new pair of shoes,” she said. “It gives them a little boost of confidence, and we go out of our way to try and get them the shoes they want.”

The Hope Chest, an organization based at Columbus Baptist Church, has been actively supporting families and children in need since 2020. Wood explained, “They give us gender, shoe size, brand preference, and shoe color, and we go out of our way to get them the shoes they want. The kids are happy when they get the new shoes they chose, and the moms and dads are appreciative as well.”

Jeremy Wood, Donna’s husband, commended his wife’s dedication to the project.

“Donna has a big heart, and it’s led her to reach out of her world to help others,” he said. Volunteers also praised her efforts, with Nathan Honeycutt expressing, “I think it’s great what God has called on Donna to do. She puts in a lot of work to make this happen.”

The event’s success was made possible through the generous support of GB Shoes in Hendersonville, which provided the shoes for the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, Columbus Baptist Church, Jackson’s Towing, and Bojangles of Columbus supported the event.

The community’s support and generosity have contributed to the success of this worthy cause, providing children with the confidence and comfort they need as they embark on a new school year.

Individuals interested in sponsoring the shoe drive or learning more about the Hope Chest can contact Donna Wood at (864) 436-0616.