The NETWORK of Community Ministries, in partnership with the City of Richardson, recently celebrated the launch of the “Gathering Soles for NETWORK” shoe drive. During last Friday afternoon’s ceremony, the Richardson City Council joined members of NETWORK to donate the first pairs of children’s shoes—officially launching the campaign that will run through Nov. 21.
The “Gathering Soles for NETWORK” shoe drive is being held in conjunction with “Ask Not…the Dallas County Day of Service,” which is bringing communities throughout Dallas County together to honor the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy during the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of his death.
“We are proud at the City to partner with the NETWORK of Community Ministries to address a significant need,” Richardson Mayor Laura Maczka said. “NETWORK has helped so many people in need in our community, through the food pantry, assistance through Seniors’ Net and so many other services. We heard of a need from our friends at NETWORK, and this particular project is a fantastic way for the Richardson community to take part in the larger Dallas County Day of Service.”
Members of the Richardson community are asked to donate new or gently-used shoes to NETWORK Nov. 1-21. NETWORK is working with local houses of worship to create drop off locations. Most City facilities will also serve as collection points, as will the NETWORK main office at 741 S. Sherman St. Donation receptacles will be located at the following municipal facilities:
- All Richardson Fire Stations (various; visit cor.net)
- City Hall /Civic Center (411 W. Arapaho Rd.)
- Gymnastics Center (300 E. Arapaho Rd.)
- Heights Recreation Center (711 W. Arapaho Rd.)
- Huffhines Recreation Center (200 N. Plano Rd.)
- Richardson Animal Shelter (1330 Columbia Dr.)
- Richardson Police Dept. (140 N. Greenville Ave. – main lobby)
- Richardson Public Library (900 Civic Center Dr.)
- Richardson Senior Center (820 W. Arapaho Rd.)
- Richardson Service Center (1260 Columbia Dr.)
- Sherrill Park Golf Course (2001 E. Lookout Dr.)
Other sponsors of the Shoe Drive include: Methodist Richardson Medical Center; Richland College; Richardson Girl Scout Troops 2120, 2477, 9409; and the University of Texas at Dallas Office of Student Volunteerism. Each of the partner agencies have also placed bins at their facilities to collect shoes.
Shoes that are donated will be distributed to families through the Richardson-North Dallas Family Clothing Center, operated by NETWORK. Through the program, impoverished families are able, at no cost, to select clothing and shoes. A particular need is shoes for children of all ages, from babies through teenagers.
“The Gathering Soles for NETWORK program will do so much to help our organization and all of our clients in the Richardson community,” NETWORK Board President Chris Barnes said. “Good shoes allow children to go to school and their parents to go to work. Thank you so much to the City of Richardson and our other partners for their support in addressing this great need.”
NETWORK of Community Ministries, founded in 1985, serves families and individuals in Richardson and the surrounding areas of Dallas County, including parts of Dallas and Garland. More than 46,000 individuals receive assistance each year.
Story and photo courtesy of Greg Sowell