Buckner’s Shoes for Orphan Souls drive kicks off in Longview

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - Buckner’s annual Shoes for Orphan Souls drive kicked off Sunday in Longview and runs until July 24.

The Longview chapter aims to collect 2,000 pairs of shoes to serve the region. People can drop off shoes inside different churches and businesses throughout Longview.

The shoe box is up and ready at Grace Creek Church. Missions Director Bailey Cordero said she’ll never forget how grateful some of the families are.

“To be able to take a little bit of that off the families, you just see it on their faces. You see their shoulders just relax just a little bit more, and they want to start their kids off in the school year,” Cordero said.

Buckner asks for new, closed toe and preferably athletic style shoes.

Buckner received about 1,800 pairs of shoes last year. Executive Director Shelly Smith said no matter how many are donated; they will still give out 2,000 pairs.

“They wear quickly, and they’re expensive, and so we love the opportunity to meet a need that may allow that family to spend those resources on food or utilities,” Smith said.

While the shoe drive helps children internationally, Buckner tries to keep the shoes donated locally distributed locally.

Volunteers hand out shoes at First Baptist Church in Longview on Aug. 1. All children need is proof of school enrollment and be enrolled in pre-K through high school to sign up. Students do not have to live in Longview.

“We’ve seen tears. We’ve seen joy. We’ve seen kids just super excited about that pink pair of light-up tennis shoes they were able to get that day,” Smith said.

Volunteers will also give haircuts, eye exams and a variety of other schooling needs at the event.

“When the community comes together to serve families in need, we can make a greater impact because we’re better together,” Cordero said.

A donation of $15 will give one child a pair of shoes. Donations can be made online here. For a list of drop-off locations, you can find them here.