New Shoes Back to School Ministry

Now in its 20th. year, the “NEW SHOES FOR BACK TO SCHOOL MINISTRY

of The Metro Richmond Partnership of Churches and Synagogues will, once again, give thousands of pairs of new shoes to school age youth, grades K-12, as they return to their new academic school year. The Ministry will take place at Third St. Bethel A.M.E. Church on August 22, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

As lines begin to form around 4:00 a.m., no one is turned away. Planning for this massive undertaking begins early in February with monthly meetings involving all of the church and synagogue partners as they make detailed plans from the minute the doors open to the minute the doors close.

Members of each congregation purchase shoes and others donate funds towards the purchase of new shoes. As the ministry is now in its 20th. year, neighboring shoe stores donate shoes (Saxon Shoes) or give discounted prices. (Walmart, Marshalls, Shoe Carnival). To donate shoes or to donate funds to purchase shoes, please call 804-221-7394.

Rabbi Knopf of Temple Beth-El, a Shoe Ministry partner, shared in a tv interview, “We are so excited to join this decade plus ministry that serves the needs of the youth of Metropolitan Richmond and surrounding counties.” To donate shoes or to donate funds to purchase shoes, please call 804-221-7394.

Rita H. Willis, Chair

The Metro Richmond Partnership of Churches/Synagogues

“New Shoes For Back To School” Ministry

rita.willis1@icloud.com

804.221.7394

H. Matthew Seawright, Pastor

Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church (Birthplace of the Shoe Ministry)

614 N. Third Street

(804) 643-8157

back To School Ministry Gallery