Steps From Hope Shoe Drive Receives 1,500 Vans Shoes
Biola University (’06) alum, Matt Wilkerson, coordinated a Vans shoe donation of 1,500 shoes for his alma mater’s 100th anniversary shoe drive to benefit the Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission. As part of the university’s yearlong centennial celebration, Biola has initiated a campaign, “Steps from Hope Shoe Drive,” with the L.A. Union Rescue Mission, the largest mission of its kind, to donate shoes for underprivileged families in Los Angeles County. The Union Rescue Mission is located only steps from Biola’s founding location on Sixth and Hope Streets.
Biola Associated Students President and Vice President Jared Gibo and Tiffany Jones joined staff from the Biola centennial celebrations team and Union Rescue Mission to collect the donation on February 13.
Biola’s connection to the Union Rescue Mission began with Lyman Stewart, who founded both the Union Rescue Mission in 1891 and Biola University in 1908. Stewart, known for his philanthropy, initiated Biola as a place to train and equip men and women to serve and impact the world. One hundred years later, Biola still celebrates its rich commitment to serve the city.
The shoe drive will culminate on April 5 at a downtown block party hosted by Biola University. The carnival-like event will feature live entertainment and activities for the whole family, and also be an opportunity for the Biola community to serve underprivileged families of Los Angeles.
To date, Biola has collected over 2,000 shoes for the shoe drive and donations are still being received through April 5.
Contact 100.biola.edu for more information on shoe donations.
Read more on the story in the Whittier Daily News.