Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, is partnering with Good in the ‘Hood and its Shoe Away Hunger program to host a shoe collection drive at all 25 YMCA locations across the Twin Cities to raise money for pop-up food shelves throughout the year.
Across the U.S. 15 percent of households face food insecurity and households with children are 21 percent more likely to have less access to food. Good in the ‘Hood is a non-profit organization that provides emergency food and quality shoes to more than 4,000 recipients each month. The YMCA will collect shoes at every YMCA location across the Twin Cities and will make them available for a suggested $5.00 donation at various shoe bus events hosted by Good in the ‘Hood, starting August 13 through August 26, and continuing throughout the remainder of the year.
Proceeds from the shoe events will provide hunger relief to many of the communities the Y serves. The first shoe event and third pop-up food shelf is Thursday, August 16 at the Maple Ponds Homes YMCA Neighborhood Center at 1854 Beebe Rd. in Maplewood, MN 55109.
“We are pleased to announce our partnership with the YMCA for our Shoe Away Hunger program to eliminate local hunger and provide quality shoes at an affordable price for those in need,” said Rev. Shawn Morrison, executive director for Good in the ‘Hood. “We hope our community will rally together by donating their shoes. Together we can feed the community one sole at a time.”
“The YMCA is committed to providing services and resources to everyone in our communities and we are excited to partner with Good in the ‘Hood to serve even more people across the Twin Cities,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Shoe Away Hunger is an innovative initiative that provides an opportunity for members of our community to give back and provide resources to those in need.”
WHO:
YMCA of the North and Good in the ‘Hood
WHAT:
Shoe Away Hunger Shoe Collection Drive
WHERE:
All YMCA of the North locations
WHEN:
Monday, August 13 – Sunday, August 26
First bus shoe sale and third food shelf will be on Thursday, August 16 at 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Maple Ponds Homes, 1854 Beebe Rd Maplewood, MN 55109.
About Good in the ‘Hood:
Good in the ‘Hood is a 501(c)3 charitable organization dedicated to influencing, inspiring and impacting individuals, families and entire communities for GOOD. We believe that consistent and intentional acts of kindness have the power to shape and ultimately benefit an entire neighbor’HOOD for GOOD. Our desire is to inspire individuals, families and entire neighborhoods to take responsibility and ownership for the growth, improvement and well-being of their personal lives and community. Through partnerships and kindness-based initiatives we believe the physical, emotional and spiritual climate of an entire community can be changed for good. Since our inception in 2003, we have continued to expand our efforts to provide effective support for those that are economically marginalized or encountering difficult circumstances.
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 162 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across 12 counties of the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 28 Y locations and program sites, seven overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 350,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.