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Published September 13th, 2023
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Lamorinda community donates over 1,500 pairs of shoes
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| By Cynthia Brian |
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| From left: Jermaine, Norayr, George, Mark, Ella, Cynthia, and Kenneth, BTSYA volunteers
Photo provided |
Moraga nonprofit Be the Star You Are, in partnership with 5A Rent-A-Space and Mark Hoog's State Farm Insurance, want to thank all the supporters who donated to its shoe drive to support micro-entrepreneurs, mostly women, in developing countries to help them build self-sufficiency, and to benefit their local communities by supplying much-needed affordable shoes.
With the help of the community, BTSYA was able to collect 1,575 pairs of shoes which will be shipped to countries in poverty. Teen chairperson, Ella Kalpakjian, who spearheaded collecting shoes from local schools commented, "Although we didn't reach our goal of 2,000 pairs, the amount we collected is insanely impressive!"
George Burnz, manager of 5A was pleased as he believes that this effort epitomizes the meaning of "community caring," and Mark Hoogs stated, "Thanks to the generosity of so many people in our community in Lamorinda, 1,575 people will have shoes that may not have otherwise had them - allowing them to work and go about their daily life activities more safely - something we're fortunate to be able to take for granted." |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA