Church to give 1,200 pairs of shoes to children | Community Spirit

(WMC-TV) - The congregation of one South Memphis church will carry on a 20 year tradition that helps give kids a comfortable start to the new school year.

St. Andrew AME Church will hand out more than 1,200 pairs of new tennis shoes to children from across the Memphis area.

The kids will also receive school supplies and free haircuts.

But students won't be the other ones to take something valuable away from the back-to-school shoe giveaway. Parents will be able to receive information about social services, housing and financial counseling.

"The Back-to-School Shoe Ministry at St. Andrew was originated by a teacher, who noticed that students delayed coming to school at the beginning of the school year because they had inadequate shoes," said a church spokesman.

The church is still accepting donations for the event. Donations can be dropped off at the church, 1472 Mississippi Blvd., or made online.

The event will run from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

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