South Carolina megachurch NewSpring gave away over $215,000 worth of shoes and gift cards to students and teachers in underprivileged schools earlier this month. NewSpring Public Relations Director Suzanne Swift said the donations are a no-strings-attached way to show the community they care.
“Our church believes you can’t do life alone and as families are buying gifts for Christmas and other necessities, this is just a small way we can come alongside them, be generous and help these families in our community,” Swift told The Christian Post.
More than 350 volunteers from Pastor Perry Noble’s multi-site church traveled to 12 elementary schools, giving away 7,265 pairs of colorful New Balance shoes fresh out of the boxes to every single student. Teachers and staff also received $25 restaurant gift cards as well.
Swift said, “We understand working in elementary schools can be challenging and we are so thankful for all the hard work teachers and staff put in each year.”
According to Swift, the church started this effort in 2008, giving backpacks, coats and shoes to three to four schools, targeting at least one school near each of its NewSpring campuses. As NewSpring grew to 10 campuses, the church grew its giveaway. Through last year’s efforts, students at 11 elementary schools received 5,250 pairs of shoes.
She explained, “We work with our district offices and just ask the district office workers there … which schools would benefit the most and what was their greatest need and so from there the conversations just continue to be shoes and coats and backpacks. Over the years we’ve done a different grouping of all of those things…Read More
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