Mission Community Outreach Center (MCOC) served 2,644 children during the two pickup days of its annual shoe giveaway in August, up from 2,485 in one day last year, said Ali Norris, executive director.
She attributes the increase to listening to people in 2025 and learning that with just one day, people had to wait in line, and some left to go to work or errands without picking up shoes.
This year, families could also register online. Those who reserved shoes could pick them up on Thursday, as well as Friday, reducing the need to wait in line. Having an extra day meant more children received shoes.
Ali said word-of-mouth spreads awareness of the shoe giveaway and the need for volunteers. . . . . . . . . . .
