ONTARIO, Ohio — The Mansfield Police Department purchased 87 pairs of shoes for children in need as part of the Mend Mansfield Coalition’s “2,000 Shoes in 2 Months” campaign.
Capt. Bret Snavely with the Mansfield Police Department couldn’t help but smile when he saw the lengthy receipt being printed at The Shoe Dept. in the Richland Mall on Friday, knowing that the money spent was going to a good cause.
The department bought $2,500 worth of shoes using “drug prevention monies,” Snavely said.
He said the department will hold drug prevention presentations for parents and their children. In exchange for attending the presentation, children will receive a voucher for a free pair of shoes, he said.
He said the department hopes to have the shoes distributed before the start of the school year.
Rev. Derek Williams, a founder of the Mend Mansfield Coalition, was thankful for the contribution. “We’re really excited,” he said. “It’s really a godsend for this effort we’re trying to do.”
The Mend Mansfield Coalition recently launched the “2,000 Shoes in 2 Months” campaign to provide new shoes for local children returning to school. The shoes will be distributed to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
So far, over 200 pairs of shoes have been donated. “We’re still pressing toward the mark of 2,000. We have a little ways to go, but we’re really encouraging the citizens to come out and support this effort,” said Williams.
Shoes can be donated by calling 211 to learn where to drop them off. Drop-off sites include all of the Richland County libraries. Money to purchase shoes or gift cards are also welcomed donations.
Check donations can be dropped off at Richland Bank for Mend Mansfield or sent to the Mend Mansfield Coalition at P.O. Box 1427, Mansfield, Ohio 44901.
For questions regarding donations to the shoe drive, contact Angel Ross-Taylor at 419-610-6915 or by email at angelnichole22@gmail.com.
Williams said the Mend Mansfield Coalition is issuing a challenge, encouraging people to match the police department’s donation by the “Each One, Reach One” rally on Aug. 15. He noted that the donations are tax deductible.
“We’re really excited,” said Rev. Derek Williams. “It’s really a godsend for this effort we’re trying to do.”
