|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
40+ cities and schools throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties team up to provide footwear for the needy in South Florida
What started as a small project for Loving Soles, has grown over time to become arguably the largest shoe collection drive in South Florida – certainly in recent years. This project has been a student-led initiative since 2019 – with three teenagers – siblings Sophia, Susanna, and Christopher Inguanzo, having been the driving forces of this program. Over the past few years, their efforts have resulted in the collection of over 50,000 pairs of new and gently worn shoes that have been donated to the homeless in South Florida. Since 2019, many schools and communities across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have participated, resulting in the much-needed shoes to benefit a growing population that is in great need.
“It’s been incredible to see the outpour of love from the community. In a world riddled with so much negativity, this display of generosity restores hope and faith in humanity. Perhaps that is the greatest miracle and the greatest impact – that lives are changed for both the giver and the recipient,” said Hilda M. Fernandez, Camillus House CEO.
Without their planning and prepping in advance, the shoe drives wouldn’t be as successful – the payoff of their hard work is enormous. This year, the teen’s efforts resulted in the collection of nearly 15,000 pairs of shoes. Several cities in South Florida have again participated: Bal Harbour Village, Bay Harbor Islands, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Doral, Fort Lauderdale, Golden Beach, Hallandale Beach, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, Miami Shores, Miami Springs, North Bay Village, Pinecrest, Southwest Ranches, Surfside, West Miami, as well as the Miami-Dade County League of Cities. 
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle’s office has participated for the past three years, stating, “Our staff is proud to participate in the annual “Loving Soles” shoe drive to benefit Camillus House. For the homeless in our community, a good pair of shoes can provide more than just physical comfort on their feet, but also that emotional step necessary to build a better life.”
This year, over 20 different schools participated, including many public, charter and catholic schools. “The students and staff of all the schools who participate in the shoe drive are doing a great service for the homeless in our community and for who are in need of shoes – we couldn’t do this without their help and support” said Loving Soles organizer Christopher Inguanzo.
The Inguanzo siblings started this year’s shoe drive in March and it concluded in early May. They spent months receiving, cleaning, sorting, and organizing the shoes and delivered to Camillus House for be distributed to those in need.
About Camillus House
Camillus House has provided humanitarian services to persons who are poor and homeless in Miami-Dade County, Florida since 1960. As a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, Camillus House was originally established to serve Cuban exiles. From its humble beginning as a small soup kitchen, Camillus has grown into a full-service organization offering a comprehensive “system of care” including food, clothing, emergency, transitional and permanent housing, physical and mental health care, and substance abuse treatment.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com
#thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #broward #biscaynebay #westpark
