July 24, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---Local people will soon have over 5,000 pairs of new shoes.

A group calling "Caring for Others" donated the shoes to the Housing and Community Development department Thursday morning. The event was held at Julian Smith Casino.

The shoes are going to ten local groups. Those organizations will then pass out the shoes to poor, elderly, the disabled and children.

With school right around the corner, the sneakers and other shoes are a way to help families with young children.

Vicki Johnson of the Housing Department said, "Now that we're experiencing people getting ready to return to school, that is one expense that a family won't have a concern about."

Sharon Barber of Safe Homes of Augusta added, "We greatly appreciate that they decided to give to others that were less fortunate."

The Augusta organizations are planning their own events to distribute the shoes locally in the next few weeks.