VICTORVILLE:(VVNG.com)- Approximately 30 volunteers gathered on Thursday at the Salvation Army in Victorville and together they washed the feet of an estimated 185 homeless people.
The first ever event called, “Socks, Shoes & Salvation” was put together by nursing students from Azusa Pacific University in collaboration with the Salvation Army and considered nothing short of a huge success.
The purpose for the project is to nurture and advance the health of the homeless men, women and children in our community.
Event coordinator Crystal Latunski told Victor Valley News, the entire experience was very humbling and rewarding.
Several weeks and months prior, volunteers were busy hitting the streets, attending hot meal programs, and working with the Victor Valley Rescue Mission to help spread the word about the “Socks, Shoes & Salvation” event.
“We only expected maybe 50-75 people. We were hoping for maybe 100 to show up and within the first hour we ran out of basic supplies”, stated Latunski. “This is a way to give back and we wanted to do something more than just the basic assignment”.
The goal for the event is to incorporate spirituality and nursing care while washing the feet of the homeless. With hopes to provide each person with a pair of socks and shoes and education on how to clean feet properly and seek assistance when needed.
Those who attended todays event were given a free meal, shoes, socks, and had their feet washed. Thanks to the over 300 pairs of shoes and 500 socks donated, recipients were able to take multiple pairs of socks and shoes. Additionally, they had their body mass index and fat ratio checked as well as offered information for the community health department.
“We wanted to bring out the community to show an acceptance of the homeless community. A lot of people don’t know the stuff that they go through and the things that they deal with on an everyday basis. We wanted to bring an awareness”, stated volunteer and nursing student Carmen Rodriguez.
Volunteers plan on continuing to do this event every year. They are in need of socks, shoes, medical supplies, basic things such as lotions, antibacterial soaps, shop towels, and money. Any unused items will go towards the Victor Valley Rescue Mission and The High Desert Homeless Shelter.
If you would like to know more information on how to donate, or volunteer for future events you can email socksshoessalvation@gmail.com. You can also make a donation by clicking here: Socks, Shoes, & Salvation
If you would like a tax exemption for this donation, please make your donations directly to The Salvation Army for “Socks, Shoes, & Salvation” at the Victorville location, 14585 La Paz Drive Victorville, Ca 92395.
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