Press
Indiana credit unions and Samaritan’s Feet distribute 1,000+ pairs of shoes statewide
INDIANAPOLIS, FORT WAYNE, MARION, IN (May 11, 2015) — As a direct result of the contributions received at its 2014 statewide convention, Indiana’s credit unions partnered with Samaritan’s Feet to distribute more than 1,000 pairs of shoes between October 2014 and April 2015. Credit unions across the state contributed shoes and money to Samaritan’s Feet so that children who need them most could have a new pair of shoes.
The most recent shoe distribution was held in Indianapolis at the Shepherd Community Center as part of a series of community service events surrounding the Men’s NCAA Final Four Basketball Championship in early April. In addition to the April 2 shoe distribution, there were two other shoe distributions where credit unions came together with Boys and Girls Clubs. One distribution was held in Fort Wayne last September; another was held in Marion in January. In addition to collecting the money and shoes to support the events, representatives from credit unions across Indiana volunteered at all three.
“Indiana credit unions have partnered with Samaritan’s Feet since 2010 to provide more than 7,200 pairs of shoes to those who need them most. At each of the distributions, the shoes were personally delivered to each recipient, bringing credit unions’ “People Helping People” philosophy to life,” said Indiana Credit Union League President John McKenzie.
“We are thankful and honored to serve alongside Indiana credit unions. They truly understand the power of helping others, by giving children in their communities a new pair of shoes and encouragement to pursue their dreams,” said Samaritan’s Feet CEO and co-founder Manny Ohonme. “The partnership Samaritan’s Feet has had with Indiana credit unions for the past several years has been impactful for thousands of people and we know their generous efforts will continue to change lives.”
The League’s Convention Committee recently met and again approved including a shoe collection as part of the activities associated with this year’s League Convention (Oct. 7-9). So, Indiana credit unions will have the opportunity to continue their support of Samaritan’s Feet again this year.
Photo captions: (left) Kimberly Flowers of Financial Center First CU washes the feet of a young shoe recipient at the Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis. Each of the 1,000+ pairs of shoes in Indiana credit unions’ three distribution events were personally provided to the recipients after their feet were washed by volunteers. (Right) Indiana League President John McKenzie (left) and Samaritan’s Feet CEO and co-founder Manny Ohonme are picture at the shoe distribution in Indianapolis.
About the Indiana Credit Union League
The Indiana Credit Union League is the statewide trade association for credit unions in Indiana. Those credit unions serve more than 2 million Hoosiers.
About Samaritan’s Feet International
Samaritan’s Feet is a 501(c)(3) humanitarian aid organization that shares a message of hope and love through washing the feet of impoverished children around the world and adorning them with new shoes. There are an estimated 2.2 billion people who can’t afford basic necessities like shoes, and more than 1.5 billion infected with parasitic diseases transmitted through contaminated soil. Since its founding by Manny Ohonme in 2003, Samaritan’s Feet and its team of ambassadors and partners have blessed more than 6.5 million children in more than 75 nations. For more information about Samaritan’s Feet International, visit www.SamaritansFeet.org.