Jan. 13, 2012
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford University in partnership with Birmingham City Councilor Jay Roberson, Mayor William A. Bell, Sr., Alabama Power, BB&T, Sam's Club and Samaritan's Feet, will commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as part of the National Day of Service.
On Monday, January 16, 2012, 11:00 a.m., at the Boutwell Auditorium, civic and corporate leaders will host a Shoes of Hope Distribution for the National Day of Service. During the Day of Service, 450 students, pre-registered through local schools, will receive a new pair of athletic shoes, socks and a unique message of hope.
"I am excited about what this event will do for our community, and I am equally excited for our student-athletes to have the opportunity to have this experience," Samford director of athletics Martin Newton said. "I have always believed that those who serve benefit far more than those who receive."
"The role of government is to aid its citizens and businesses and this is an opportunity to do both. Here we have representation of good corporate sponsorship seeding into families that might have limited or no resources at all," said Councilor Jay Roberson, who also serves as an associate director of athletics at Samford.
Corporations have been vital to the mission of Samaritan's Feet. Alabama Power is proud to support their efforts.
"The mission of the Samaritan's Feet is in keeping with Dr. King's firm belief that the foundation for solving society's greatest problems is based on simple acts of kindness and love to others," said Bobbie Knight, Birmingham Division Vice President.
"I am excited about this iconic event as our current leaders recognize and celebrate our past leaders with a Day of Service through partnership with Samaritan's Feet, Inc.," said Dontá Wilson, President - BB&T of Alabama.
Samaritan's Feet is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing lives by washing the feet of each shoe recipient, sharing a message of hope and encouragement, and placing a new pair of athletic shoes on each recipient's feet.
"The associates representing Sam's Club of Greater Birmingham are grateful for the opportunity to support Samaritan's Feet on this National Day of Service," said Kelvin Buncum, RGM Mid-South Region, Sam's Club.
Youth groups, athletic teams and schools have all played a major role in this global effort.
Since 2003 Samaritan's Feet has provided shoes to an estimated 3,500,000 children in over 60 nations.
"We are excited to partner with our friends in Birmingham to bring encouragement through this initiative. Through the National Day of Service program, we strive to help Americans invest more in their communities by demonstrating servant-leadership through washing feet, providing for a basic need with shoes, and sharing a message of hope to those in need," said Manny Ohonme, Founder and CEO of Samaritan's Feet.
450 students have been pre-registered for the Shoes of Hope Distribution.
