By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — Feet Heat Six has officially kicked off its annual youth sneaker drive — with a new twist this year.
The Church Without Walls, 1803 W. State St., is again sponsoring collection and distribution of sneakers, said Pastor Tyrone Hall.
On Aug. 24, youth attending the Sunday morning service will not only receive a nifty pair of sneakers, but “a little off the top too,” Hall said.
A master barber, he’s bringing his equipment and Hall of Fame barbers to church that day for free haircuts.
“We were looking for a twist this year to help families with young kids growing up,” Hall said. “We decided to offer to top it off for them besides the sneakers. We have them covered head to toe.”
Four barbers will set up downstairs in the church, Hall said. “Feet Heat and a great haircut will be a great start to a new school year.” Kids can sign up for haircuts that morning at the church. The doors open at 9:45 a.m.
Besides the feeling a great new pair of sneakers gives a young person, there is still a “run to Jesus focus,” Hall said.
Hall got the idea years ago from attending an Atlanta, Ga., church where there was a drive to collect 5,000 sneakers for children “to get them headed in the right direction.”
“I said we could do this in Olean with the community’s support,” Hall said. The idea quickly caught on in Olean with the cost of shoes and many one-parent homes. “We set up to be an outlet for those families,” Hall said. “There hasn’t been a year when the community hasn’t been here to help.”
A haircut can be a source of bullying, just as the kind of sneakers you are wearing, Hall said. “If you don’t have the right haircut or sneakers you get picked on. The church wants to help.”
People can drop off donations at the Hall of Fame Barber Shop, 309 W. State St., Olean, NY 14760. Sneakers can be ordered locally or online for delivery to the barber shop. Hall has a Venmo account that can also be used to donate.
“To make it a little more personable this year, we will be going door to door too,” Hall explained. The Church Without Walls will also be approaching other churches for donations. “We are looking for nice sneakers.” Hall said. Retro sneakers are very popular, he added.
“We aren’t going to stop,” Hall said. “Parents are very supportive. Our goal is to do this every year before school. Everyone knows our church from handing out hundreds of sneakers.”
Last year, more than 300 pairs were donated or purchased with contributions. The most popular sizes are sizes 6-8 for girls and boys. “We put a push on for sizes we still need in the week before they are distributed,” Hall said.
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