Largo, FL – May is Foster Care Awareness Month.  In recognition, we are kicking off a shoe drive with Eckerd Connects Raising Hope to raise awareness about Tampa Bay’s foster kids. Our goal is collect 1,000 pairs of shoes to represent the number of kids LSF serves through this program.

LSF’s Step for Success shoe drive will be collecting brand new pairs of shoes from April 23rd until June 1st. The drop off location is at 8550 Ulmerton Road #130 in Largo at the office shared by LSF, Eckerd Connects Community Alternatives and Directors for Living. On average, 85 pairs of shoes each month are needed for children.

“Children entering Florida’s foster care system often come with only the clothes on their backs and sometimes have no shoes on their feet,” Heather King, Executive Program Director for LSF said. “As one of the case management organizations in Tampa Bay, we want to do our part to ensure Eckerd’s Rooms of Hope are stocked with brand new shoes for children. That’s why we’re asking our family, friends, and people in the community to purchase a new pair of shoes for a child from birth to 18.”

All the shoes collected will go to Eckerd’s Rooms of Hope which are set up like small stores and are filled with fresh clothing, pajamas, shoes, hygiene items, diapers, school supplies and other necessities. The kids come in and are able to “no-cost shop” for the items they not only need, but deserve.

Purchase a NEW pair of shoes.  All sizes and types are needed for children from birth to 18…so as you can imagine, any and all types, sizes, boys, girls, women and men’s shoes are all needed.

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Media Contact:

Terri Durdaller, LSF Associate VP of Communications  

Terri.durdaller@lsfnet.org

813-802-8790

About Lutheran Services Florida: (LSF) is a non-profit organization transforming lives by ensuring safe children, strong families and vibrant communities. Founded in 1982, LSF currently touches the lives of 1 in 50 Floridians every year through various programs, including early education, youth shelters, foster care, refugee and resettlement services, substance abuse mental health services, and adult guardianship. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, LSF has more than 60 programs throughout Florida and approximately 1,200 dedicated employees.