$13 for 13 Campaign helps kids in need get new shoes
TAMPA, Fla. - Shoes are something that most of us take for granted. But thousands of children across the Tampa Bay area are in need of a decent pair of shoes.
It's a struggle that the non-profit Metropolitan Ministries sees on a daily basis.
"When we first meet our families and children, their basic needs aren't being met. They don't have new shoes. They've maybe never had a new pair of shoes, and for a kid, you know, especially someone who is at risk or going through the trauma of homelessness, shoes become vital, even to their self-confidence," offered Justine Burke, vice president of marketing for Metropolitan Ministries.
That's why the FOX 13 Care Force is teaming up with Metropolitan Ministries for the $13 for 13 Campaign.
From March 20 through April 4, if you donate $13 to the online campaign, it will be matched -- and that's enough to buy a quality pair of children's shoes.
"It seems like a little thing but when a child gets a new pair of shoes, their faces light up and a stress has been relieved because they can feel confident and happy that they can go to their after-school activity or back to school with a shiny new pair of shoes. It just feels so good for them," Burke added.
LINK: To donate, you can go to www.metromin.org