New Shoes for Back to School

The New Shoes for Back to School ministry is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Founded by Third Street Bethel AME in 2006, the ministry has evolved to include
multiple churches and a synagogue in a region-wide annual tradition serving thousands
of students annually. Trinity’s involvement began in 2018.

The goal is to help families in need by providing new shoes to school-age children so
they can start the year feeling confident and included.

The in-person distribution event is on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. The location is Third
Street Bethel A.M.E. at 614 N. 3 rd  Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Any shoes left over are donated to area Title 1 schools.

Over the years, the ministry has provided more than 120,000 pairs of new shoes to
Metro Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield area schoolchildren in need. A coalition
made up of churches and synagogues work together to make New Shoes for Back to
School possible. This year’s participants include: Broad Rock Baptist, Ebenezer Baptist,
Lyndale Baptist, Sharon Baptist, Sixth Baptist, Spring Creek Baptist, Temple Beth-El,
Third Street Bethel AME, and Trinity United Methodist.

Each congregation has been asked to donate 125 pairs of shoes. You can help by
purchasing and bringing shoes to Trinity Hall on or before August 16, or through financial contributions. (New Shoes for Back to School is included in the drop-down menu on the “Give” page at https://trinityumc.net/give )

Volunteers are also needed on the day of the event. Each church/synagogue has been
asked to provide volunteers. At the event, a large fellowship hall is set up with tables
according to gender and size--some volunteers will help at the tables; others will
accompany the families as they make their way around the hall. Please contact Beth Monroe or the Trinity Office to learn more!