By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
Fresh Joy, formerly the Church Without Walls, 1803 W. State St., is accepting new children’s sneakers for its community outreach project Feet Heat 7.
The goal is to have people donate 1,000 pairs of sneakers, said Pastor Tyrone Hall.
“Over the past six years, parents say that Feet Heat has been a blessing,” Hall told the Olean Star recently. “It’s becoming a staple in the community.”
Families faced with rising prices for everything sometimes find it difficult to find money for new sneakers for school. They appreciate the help, Hall said.
While it is sad to say that some kids not sporting a new pair of sneakers may find themselves being bullied over it, Hall said the aim of Feet Heat is “to make sure we’re kicking them off with their best foot forward. It’s sad to say, but some kids look at that.”
The sneakers will be distributed to children in the community at the Sept. 14 church service that begins at 10 a.m., Hall said. “Let us put some heat on your feet,” he said. “Just show up. We’ve got plenty of seats.”
The focus this year is giving out sneakers to youths who attend church, 1803 W. State St., on Sept 14, with a parent or guardian, Hall said.
People can help by buying a nice pair of sneakers for a young girl or boy and drop them off at the Hall of Fame Barbershop, 311 W. State St., Olean or bring them to the Fresh Joy Church Sunday morning during church.
For those who can donate some money toward a pair of sneakers, Hall has two mobile apps to receive donations Veno and Cash app.
Looking back on the past six Feet Heat projects, Hall said. “It’s been such a blessing to those youth receiving the sneakers and those making the donations,” Hall said. “The parents say it’s been a blessing.”
There’s big news ahead for Feet Heat 8, Hall said. “We’ll have more on that later in 2027.”
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