Photos courtesy of Dr. Darcele Cole-Robinson
Featured photo: Over 245 area residents received shoes, clothing, free haircuts and other resources at a recent If Shoes Could Talk event
FLINT — If Shoes Could Talk: Step into My Story. Opioid Awareness and Vaping Prevention. Holmes Stem and Brownell STEM Academy, Lions 18B, and Donations with Love Foundation, Inc. hosted a Community Shoe Event and Giveaways event on Saturday, August 8, from 12-4 p.m. at 6302 Oxley Drive, in Flint.
The event provided hundreds of pairs of shoes, clothing, free haircuts and other resources to children and families in the community. This year’s theme, “If Shoes Could Talk: Step into My Story,” highlighted the importance of helping every child begin the school year with confidence, dignity and the supplies they need.
This was an Opioid Awareness and Vaping Prevention event as well, educating the community for the upcoming school year.
The event also features special guests Hustlers on the Move, and Heart of Worship Dance Studio, along with family-friendly activities and giveaways.
Donations with Love expressed gratitude to their 45 incredible volunteers: Southwestern football team and seniors, Zeta Beta Zeta Flint Chapter, family and friends.
“You didn’t just give your time,” the Donations With Love team stated. “You gave dignity. You tied shoes, you listened, you stood in the gap.”
Donations with Love also expressed gratitude to the 245 participants.
“Thank you for stepping into your story with us,” they said. “Your courage to choose healthy, to walk away from vaping and drugs is the reason we do this. “
Additionally, Donations with Love thanked their 10 vendors for the event for bringing resources, smiles and hope to the event.
They said Flint families helped turn a shoe giveaway into a safe space, also emphasizing that funders and sponsors made the event possible.
Community partners included: Community Foundation, Blue Cross Complete, Dort Federal Credit Union, GHS and Priceless Dreams, Molina the UAW and others.
“If Shoes could talk, they say: I choose to walk the safe way.
“Word on the street is…When Flint stands together… Flint kids win…”
