Hundreds were lining up on Sixth Street and San Pedro as early as 8 a.m., waiting for the “Steps from Hope” shoe drive and block party to begin. The Union Rescue Mission, one of the largest missions in the United States, had been advertising the block party for weeks, and the homeless community came prepared.

Over 60 Biolans and friends came out to volunteer for the event, all wearing bright red “Jesus Saves” T-shirts, made especially for the event.

The street in front of the URM was blocked off, to make room for the festivities that began at 11 a.m. A stage was the center feature, and various Biola and URM musical groups performed throughout the day. Carnival games were set up, free to the community, and clowns, mimes and jugglers sifted through the crowds, entertaining the children.

The food fit the carnival theme with Chili Fritos, hot dogs and cotton candy. Biolans manned the grills and turned over thousands of hot dogs that were given out during the day. And no carnival would be complete without freshly popped popcorn or snow cones, which students took charge of during the day.

Though the carnival and music provided a fun atmosphere, the main highlight of the day was shoes. Dozens of barrels were full of shoes of all sizes as men, women and children lined up eagerly awaiting their new pair of shoes.

“Sock the Homeless” a Whittier-based ministry also partnered with Biola and URM during the event and handed out new socks.

Recipients proudly modeled their new shoes they’d been given, grateful for the gift they’d received.

By 2 p.m., the grills were turned off and volunteers began the teardown process. The event was a success and URM and Biolans were grateful to bring a little bit of joy to a community in need of some hope.