Back to Basics Update: July

By Marketing and PR Intern Seth Crawford

As of this weekend, Samaritan’s Feet has washed the feet of and given new shoes to approximately 14,550 individuals and distributed 11,750 Office Depot Foundation sackpacks in the second year of Samaritan’s Feet’s back to school program, Back to Basics.

During Back to Basics, Samaritan’s Feet and our partners distribute new pairs of socks and shoes and Office Depot Foundation-donated sackpacks with school supplies to people around the country who otherwise would not have shoes that fit them or a bag to carry their books in for school.

So far this summer we have had Back to Basics distributions in 34 locations, with about 50 more distributions scheduled before Back to Basics wraps up in October.

At a recent distribution in Charlotte, a young boy named Babín arrived wearing Samaritan’s Feet shoes that he had received at a previous distribution – we were able to provide him with a new replacement pair. It was a wonderful reminder that Back to Basics is helping children right here in the United States by sustaining their need for footwear and alleviating the pressure of parents to provide something that many simply can’t afford.

After that same distribution we received thank you notes from the children we served.

Lizette said, “Dear Samaritan’s Feet, thank you for our new shoes, and thank you for washing our feet.”

Another shared, “Dear Samaritan’s Feet, think (thank) you for our new shoes. I was tekish (ticklish) when you washed my feet. Sincerely, Victor”

Andrea’s note said, “Dear Samaritan’s Feet, thank you for our new shoes. The fun part I liked was getting my feet washed.”

We treasure these portrayals of the many moments of hope and encouragement that happen at our distributions!

You can keep up with our Back to Basics program by liking our Facebook page where we post updates from distributions and more.