SNAP
3102 W. Fort George Wright
Spokane, WA 99224
(509) 456-7111
Fax: (509) 534-5874
Press Release 8-13-09
For immediate release
TO: News Desk, Assignment Editor
FROM: Ron Hardin, Communications Manager
SNAP
509-456-7111 ext.242; hardin@snapwa.org
Cell phone 993-7143
Teresa Morris
Windermere Services
509-768-8737
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16th Annual “Shoes, Socks & Underwear” event
More than 80 area children will receive new shoes and underclothes in a cooperative event by SNAP, the non-profit Windermere Foundation and Big 5 Sporting Goods on Monday, August 17th.
Spokane, WA—Over 80 children from the SNAP Homeless Program will get new shoes, socks and underwear thanks to the Windermere Foundation, a non-profit organization funded by the commissions of Windermere real estate agents. The shoes will be purchased from Big 5 Sporting Goods, which provides a substantial discount for this charitable event. The event will be conducted on Monday, August 17, 2009 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.
“Much more than in the past, very low income families are struggling to meet everyday needs, especially with the rising prices and challenges from the economy. With the cost of school supplies, new school clothes and the undergarments, purchasing new shoes is usually last on the list,” says Bob Peeler of SNAP’s Homeless Program. “A nice pair of new shoes makes a child feel very special and good about themselves. Thanks to Windermere, the children in SNAP’s client base will have a new pair of shoes to begin their school year.”
SNAP shelters an average of 60 households per night, which includes approximately 120 children.
To date, the Windermere Foundation has raised over 10 million dollars to assist homeless families throughout the West.
“Homelessness is one of the most pressing concerns in our community,” according to Scott Wetzel, President and CEO of Windermere Services in Spokane. “The Windermere Foundation is committed to helping Spokane’s homeless families.”
The foundation has been supporting SNAP’s Homeless Program for thirteen consecutive years with volunteer hours, gifts, and donations such as the Shoes, Socks & Underwear event.
Since the program began, nearly 1,000 children from SNAP’s caseload have started their school year with new shoes on their feet.
“New beginnings and fresh starts are so important”, says Larry Stuckart, Executive Director for SNAP. “Having new undergarments, socks and shoes will certainly help in giving these children a confidence boost on the first day of school.”
Story/ Photo Opportunities
· Kids trying on and testing out their new shoes at Big 5 Sporting Goods (7501 N. Division, Spokane)
· Windermere representatives helping kids try on shoes
· How the new shoes make the first day of school more exciting for the kids.
· Windermere’s commitment to SNAP and to fighting homelessness in the Northwest, through the Windermere Foundation.
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About SNAP: SNAP connects and provides access to resources which creates opportunities, with dignity, for low income people.