SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
RENO, Nev. – Think Kindness, a local non-profit organization that inspires youth to carry out unique acts of kindness, challenged local students to “Make A Difference. . . From the Feet Up!” The organization worked alongside the Washoe County School District, Sheriff’s Department and Saint Mary’s to challenge local schools to work in solidarity to make a massive difference. . . in 15 days!
The catalyst for this year’s “kindness challenge” was collecting gently used shoes to be distributed to local needy, with all of the remaining shoes being sent to the victims in Japan.
Five high schools launched their challenge with a motivational assembly by Brian Williams, founder of the Think Kindness organization. During the assembly, Williams talks about his personal trips to Kenya and placing shoes on the feet for their first time.
“Hearing the stories of children not being allowed to attend school for the mere fact they don’t have shoes makes students realize that despite our economy, financial situation, we can all make a difference in someone’s life,” Williams said.
When Williams spoke with local non-profit organizations, he also realized the growing need for shoes in our local community.
“I went to Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet and they showed me the amount of shoes they had to give away. There were only five pairs on the shelf,” Williams said.
After that meeting, Think Kindness set out to organize a massive local shoe distribution. Giving free shoes away to anyone in our local community. He will also give a surplus to organizations that will be able to distribute them to those in need throughout the year.
“Some people are not able to go to work because they could afford the work boots, or the dress shoes. . . we are going to change that!” Williams said.
This experience will also bring it full circle for all the students, staff, and community members that collected shoes throughout the 30-day challenge.
“Just within the Saint Mary’s Hospital employees we collected over 4,000 pairs of shoes!” Josh Charlebrois said.
If you would like more information regarding the shoe distribution event, please visit: www.ThinkKindness.org/100000.
