Hays Cares to provide free shoes to area students

HAYS COUNTY — In 2022, approximately 12% of Hays County residents were living in poverty, according to census.gov. But one local nonprofit is working to inspire hope by providing resources, education and economic opportunities for underserved children and families.

Hays Cares, with the help of Samaritan's Feet, is holding its annual Shoes of Hope event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 22 at McCormick Middle School in Buda to provide school-aged students with a free pair of shoes ahead of the upcoming school year.

Backpacks, school supplies, sausage wraps and chips, first responder meet-and-greets and photo opportunities will also be provided courtesy of several sponsors, including the San Marcos Police Department, Hays Latinos United, Unforgettable Families and Friends, Kiwanis Club of Kyle-Buda and other first responders from Kyle and Buda.

“It's a big day. Kids have a lot of fun, while at the same time, [they will] be inspired and we’ll give them a brand new pair of shoes and socks as they go back to school,” said Pastor James Jacobs of Hays Cares.

Jacobs said that having a good pair of shoes is an essential need for people, especially young kids, because “a lot of diseases happen because people lack a proper pair of shoes and socks.”

While registration for shoes has already closed due to high interest, community members are encouraged to still show up to the event.

“We have 330 people who signed up already for a pair of shoes,” Jacobs said. “We had to close [the registration] down because it filled up so fast. We got some extra shoes that we kept from last year. Just show up, we might have some extra shoes.”

If you are interested in donating to Hays Cares, volunteering or would like more information on how to receive assistance, visit www.hayscares.org.