BY J. MARK BRYANT | LAGNIAPPE
The 19th annual “Many More Miles” campaign is currently in process. Local runners, exercise enthusiasts and school-age children may donate their old running shoes to the program.
According to organizers, those gently used shoes will come to life again as they land on the feet of someone who really needs them.
Baldwin Bone & Joint will again serve as the host for this project. For the second consecutive year, the local orthopedic practice will partner with Baldwin County Public Schools and City Hope Church.
“Many More Miles is a key community outreach program that makes such a difference in the lives of both children and adults in need,” Will Wiggins, practice administrator for Baldwin Bone & Joint, told Lagniappe.
“Our physicians and staff remain committed to this program and are excited as we partner with City Hope Church and Baldwin County Public Schools to launch the 19th annual Many More Miles campaign, giving new life to old shoes.”
Response to the campaign has grown from 200 pairs donated in 2004 to a record-breaking 2,728 pairs contributed most recently. Shoe donations are being accepted now, with final shoe drop-offs received at the 2023 Azalea Trail Run on Saturday, March 25, in Mobile.
Baldwin County students will once again be rewarded for collecting the most shoes with money to purchase new P.E. equipment for their schools. Baldwin Bone & Joint will award cash prizes to physical education programs to the top three Baldwin County Public Schools that donate the most shoes.
In addition, the class that brings in the most shoes overall will receive a Chick-fil-A party and the teacher will be awarded a cash prize provided by City Hope Church.
Organizations that will benefit from the collected shoes this year include Baldwin County Board of Education school closets, Fostering Together Gulf Coast in Mobile, local Department of Human Resources donations, McKemie Place in Mobile, The Shoulder in Spanish Fort, Waterfront Rescue Mission in Foley, and Teen Challenge in Bay Minette.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to clean up those gently used athletic shoes and tie them together in pairs before dropping them off at any of the following locations:
- Baldwin Bone & Joint (1505 Daphne Avenue, Daphne)
- Office of Dr. Glenn Glass (1303 Main Street in Daphne)
- The University of South Alabama Student Recreation Center (51 Jaguar Boulevard in Mobile)
- McCoy Outdoor Company (3498 Spring Hill Avenue in Mobile)
- Final drop-off opportunity: 2023 Azalea Trail Run
In partnership with the ongoing community shoe drive, City Hope Church will host a “Deliver Hope” event on Sunday, March 12. Congregants are encouraged to donate their gently worn shoes to any of the church’s campuses across the Gulf Coast. To learn more, visit cityhope.cc. For more information on the Many More Miles campaign, call 251-656-3843.