Photo Credit:
Craig Houghton
Nutmeg Muse Photography
926 Moss Farms Rd
Cheshire, CT 06410
http://www.nutmegmusephotography.com

The Great Boot Giveaway

Local Nonprofit donates gently used pairs of boots and shoes to people in need.

Charities of Hope and StepRite partner to help the people in need at Middletown Icon O’Rourke’s Diner.

Hartford, CT – The Great Boot Giveaway will provide a mix of new and used pairs of shoes to the homeless and individuals in Connecticut. On Saturday October 24, at 8am -11 am O’Rourke’s Diner, the shiny historic eatery in the heart of downtown Middletown opens it’s front facade to Charities of Hope and the community who will be attending to receive the shoes.

Charities of Hope, which provides monetary donations to local and national organizations through the collection of clothing and shoes, sees demand increasing especially now as the state grapples with its own struggling economy. According to The 2009 Point-in-Time Count of Homelessness conducted by the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, homelessness in state remains at an unacceptably high level. Thirty-two percent (32%) of families were working at the time of their homelessness. Seventy-eight (78%) of families reported having some source of income. Sixty percent (60%) of adults in families had a 12th grade education or higher.

Suburban homelessness saw a dramatic increase from 2008, especially for families and children and families, both up 33%. Despite currently working, having income and education, and experiencing relatively few mental health and substance use factors contributing to their homelessness, a third of the state’s families had to leave their place of residence to rent problems.

“One of the most important aspects of the great boot drive is that it shows what can really happen when nonprofits and well matched for-profit companies can do in a partnership.” said John Caruso, Founder of Charities of Hope. “We are seeing an amazing example of the types of collaborative efforts that our state will need to face the ever-increasing threat of homelessness during these challenging economic times.”

As concluded in the report most of the homeless are single and also aging.

StepRite a Therapeutic Shoes and Insert company based in Avon currently provides services such as free screenings to those that are aging throughout CT to Nursing Homes, Senior Centers, Churches and Outreach Programs.

“The Great Boot Giveaway campaign and the new partnership with Charities of Hope is a natural match for StepRite.” notes Elizabeth Gonzales, Certified Pedorthist from StepRite. “This synergistic effort helps StepRite to be able to provide therapeutic relief for a population that may not be able to afford these health benefits any other way.”

There will be Charities of Hope donation bins on-site so the local community is also invited to donate their ‘gently worn’ shoes or clothing for people in need. O’Rourkes Diner is located at 728 Main St, Middletown, CT.

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About Charities of Hope

Charities of Hope is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to the community, non-profits, and to causes and charities that help those who need it most. The purpose of the charity is to provide monetary donations to local and national organizations through the collection of clothing and shoes. Many non-profits struggle for donations, grants, and charitable contributions and these organizations have needed to find other sources to sustain. Charities of Hope strives to help so that these organizations can survive and continue to provide much needed services. www.charitiesofhope.org.

About StepRite

StepRite is a progressive durable medical equipment business that specializes in Therapeutic Shoes and Inserts. StepRite currently provides services throughout Connecticut to Nursing Homes, Senior Centers, Churches and Outreach Programs. StepRite participates in most insurance including Medicaid and the Connecticut State-Administered General Assistance, (SAGA). StepRite provides a free “Safe Shoe Screening” at area churches and outreach centers to help the community understand the importance of proper fitting footwear. The program is headed by Elizabeth Gonzales, Certified Pedorthist. Elizabeth has been in the foot care industry for over 11 years. www.stepriteusa.com.

Here’s an excerpt,

“In addition to giving, Charities of Hope offers employment opportunities to those that are trying to turn their lives around. The charity provides an opportunity to those who need to fulfill community service hours with work at the warehouse. Volunteers are needed to help with drop-off box clothing collection and sorting, and other warehouse duties.”

Read  full article on Charities of Hope here.