Outreach center's shoe giveaway a hit with volunteers

 

Each August for 14 years, Mission Community Outreach Center (MCOC) at 1906 E. Mission Ave. has been swarmed with children, parents and volunteers for their annual School Shoes for Kids Give-Away.

This year, the center gave away 1,817 pairs of new shoes and socks to preschoolers through eighth graders in 764 families.

MCOC's second biggest shoe event, and it ran smoothly, said Ali Norris, executive director of MCOC.

With the event now hybrid, most families ordered shoes and gave sizes online two weeks ahead. When children came to pick up the shoes, they tried them on to be sure they fit. With most pre-ordered, they did not have to stand in line as long as at past shoe events.

There were 300 kids who had not pre-registered who came on Friday, Aug. 16, to Stevens Elementary School for shoes.

Founded in 1996 as an outreach of Mission Community Presbyterian Church to provide clothing, the center is in its 28th year.

Ali, who had volunteered and donated clothing during her years at University High School, began working as part-time office staff after earning a bachelor's degree in 2013 at the University of Idaho and a master's in public health in 2017 from Eastern Washington University.

Now as executive director, she is the only paid staff person. She manages a team of 30 volunteers who come to help receive donations of clothing, hygiene items, diapers, wipes and housewares, setting them out on racks and tables like a thrift store for guests to select from. Volunteers also manage the shopping floor.

Most volunteers come once a week. Some come twice a week. Others come bi-weekly. MCOC is always looking for more volunteers.

Guests from any zip code can come every 60 days for clothing, hygiene items and housewares, and every 30 days for diapers from 1 to 4 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays, or 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays.

"So far this year, we have served 11,986 people and expect to have served 15,000 by the end of the year.

"I love doing this important, critical service for the community," she said. "It fits my master's in public health, because providing clothing, hygiene items and diapers helps families in the community stay healthy."

Since starting, Ali said that the MCOC has increased the number of people they serve, as well as expanded to serve all areas. Support in donations has also increased for this ecumenical nonprofit from congregations and service organizations.

They donate funds and items, along with providing volunteers.

Different churches sponsor different events. Some collect shoes. Some have barrels out at their church for donations of gently used clothing.

This was Westminster Congregational UCC's second year taking part in School Shoes for Kids. Several shared their experiences.

• Two order fillers said: "It's amazing how many shoes got collected and distributed to families at no charge. It means there are a lot of kids who won't have to go around with holes in their shoes!"

• From a Friday greeter: "I had so much fun interacting with the kids. Whenever there was a language challenge with the parents, it seemed there was always one of the kids who could step in to help."

• From a fitter: "What I'll always remember was working with a boy who needed a size 14, and the priceless expression of joy on his face when we found one last pair that fit him."

Volunteers were impressed with the diverse cross-section of community members helping out.

For Ali, who grew up in Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, service to others is an expression of faith.

"We are the hands and feet of Christ. We are to be in the community serving," she said. "Being here is how I was raised in faith, to serve without asking people why they need items, without barriers, so they can have the items they need to move to their next phase of life.

"MCOC reaches out with care to show Christ's love to those who come," she said.

Congregations that have participated in recent years, supporting with funds, volunteers or donations of items include All Saints, Beautiful Savior, Bethlehem, Holy Cross, Hope, Redeemer and St. Luke Lutheran churches; Hamblen Park, Manito and Millwood Community and First Presbyterian churches; St. Aloysius Catholic Parish, Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ, Life Center, The Rock Church, Summit Spokane and Sun City Church.

Ali shared the list of items MCOC receives and gives out: gently-used or new clothing, shoes, coats, and socks for all ages; gently-used blankets, sheets, bedding and towels and housewares such as pots, pans, dishes, silverware and small appliances.

In addition, they accept appropriate children's or adult books, new infant care supplies: disposable diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, lotion and powder; new personal care items such as shampoo, lotion, women's hygiene products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, bar soap and toilet paper.

Items they do not accept include soiled or well-worn clothing, furniture, large appliances, home decor, cribs, car seats, toys, food, medicine, medical supplies, jewelry, magazines, decorations, liquids or chemicals. 

For information, email mcoc.spokane@gmail.com or visit www.4mission.org.