The Many More Miles (MMM) campaign is a community outreach initiative that collects gently used footwear to support local individuals and families in need. Organizers say more than 33,000 pairs of shoes have been donated since it began.
Baldwin Bone & Joint P.C., which partners with City Hope Church and participating Baldwin County schools, is hosting its 22nd community outreach event. In 2026, the Many More Miles Campaign shifts to a focused, powerful “Week of Giving” from March 9 to 13. The goal is to speed up shoe donations to foster families, homeless communities, and local schools.
“The 21st annual Many More Miles campaign was a huge success and collected more than 4,500 shoes that will be going to those who need them the most. A special thank you goes to Fairhope East Elementary, Bayside Academy and Fairhope West Elementary for coordinating the donation of over 1,100 shoes to the project this year,” Will Wiggins, CEO of Baldwin Bone & Joint, said.
“We also want to thank City Hope Church and Pamela Denham & Associates for being incredible partners. This project could not be successful without the support of the community, and we appreciate you all very much. Thank you and God bless.”
Baldwin Bone & Joint will continue to award cash prizes to the top three schools collecting the most shoes. First place earns $500, second place earns $300 and third place earns $200.
Students are rewarded for collecting the most shoes with money for their school’s new physical education equipment. Baldwin Bone & Joint will present cash prizes to physical education programs to the top three Baldwin County schools that donate the most shoes.
Drop-off sites will include Baldwin Bone & Joint in Daphne, partnering Baldwin County and local schools, University of South Alabama’s Student Recreation Center in Mobile, White-Spunner Realty in Mobile and McCoy Outdoor Company in Mobile.
Organizers say the shoe distribution list will include Empowering People, McKemie Place, Home of Grace, Waterfront Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, The Shoulder Rehabilitation Centers, Lifeline Ministries, Fostering Together Gulf Coast, Baldwin Family Village, Dumas Wesley, City Hope Homeless Ministry, Mobile’s homeless community, Baldwin County schools’ clothing closets, Dream Center (local adopted communities), Baptist Church of the Covenant (clothing closet), Foster and Adoptive Association of Baldwin County, Big Fish Ministries and Dream Center-Honduras, Soles4Souls.
HISTORY LESSON
Marsha Anderson works with the Pamela Denham & Associates marketing firm. She supplied Lagniappe with the following information on how this campaign began in 2011:
The event’s creator-in-chief, Fairhope’s Pam Denham, recalls a humorous anecdote from the early days of the shoe drive. “When we first started, 18 years ago, I forgot to ask donors to tie their shoes together,” she said. “We had unmatched shoes all over the place.”
The inspiration for this footwear for the needy initiative struck Denham over two decades ago while she was living in Tampa, Fla.
“I recall a podiatrist was doing something similar to what we are doing today,” she said. “I also remember seeing in Tampa a huge storeroom, with shoes stacked as high as you could see.”
This experience ignited her belief in the potential for these shoes to find a second life.
After relocating, Denham approached Baldwin Bone & Joint in Daphne, which has been a steadfast partner since the event’s inception.
“They are an important part of MMM,” she remarked about the physicians and staff. “They provide the cash prizes to schools that supply the most shoes. Baldwin Bone & Joint’s employees and patients are also huge suppliers and supporters of our cause. They also set up receiving and distribution points on-site.”
Denham also highlights the generosity of donors who contribute new, unworn shoes.
“One man told me, ‘If I am going to give somebody something, I want it to be the very best,’” Denham said.
BEING RECOGNIZED
Baldwin Bone & Joint announced that its Many More Miles campaign was previously selected as a finalist for Business Alabama’s Philanthropic Project of the Year. The annual community shoe drive collected a record-breaking 5,000 pairs of footwear in 2024 to help those in need.
“We are beyond thrilled with the outpouring of support for this cause and are proud of 21 years of Many More Miles,” Wiggins said. “Finding homes for over 5,000 pairs of shoes annually is something all of us in Baldwin County can get behind, and we sincerely appreciate all who participate. Thank you to Baldwin County schools, businesses, churches and residents for supporting helping those in need.”
The eventual winner for Philanthropic Project of the Year was Doc Rock. This is a “battle of the bands”-style event where at least one member of each band has an affiliation with USA Health. Proceeds benefit research and critical clinical needs at the Mobile medical facility.
ADDING SUPPORT
Since 1989, Baldwin Bone & Joint has offered expert orthopedic care to patients of all ages, with all conditions. As fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and experienced clinicians, they are recognized leaders in the field of orthopedics, providing the most current treatment available. With 22 licensed medical providers on staff, Baldwin Bone & Joint is the largest privately-owned orthopedic specialty practice in Baldwin County.
Office locations include Daphne, Bay Minette, Foley, Fairhope, Spanish Fort and Atmore. Specialized clinics available include The Spine Institute at Baldwin Bone & Joint, The Center for Sports Medicine, The Shoulder Center at Baldwin Bone & Joint and The Osteo Health Clinic.
Baldwin Bone & Joint has also added another community event to its résumé, as they help to sponsor the Gulf Coast Paddle & Racket Battle in Daphne. To learn more about the medical practice, call 251-625-2663 or visit baldwinboneandjoint.com.
City Hope is one church with multiple locations, both in Alabama and around the world. “If there’s one message everyone wants to be a part of, it’s the message of hope. No matter what corner of the Earth we find ourselves in, we aim to bring hope into every life, every home, every city,” according to City Hope staff. “We also believe in the power of family. Our goal is to fight for the absolute best for your family –– financially, spiritually and developmentally.” To learn more about the church’s mission, visit cityhope.cc.
City Hope Church will host “Deliver Hope” on Sunday, Feb. 8. On this day, congregants and the community are encouraged to bring their gently worn or new shoes (athletic, everyday shoes and boots) to any City Hope Church campus across the Gulf Coast.