Lehigh Acres church hosts event to provide free shoes for kids | Lee County

Lehigh Acres is set to host a heartwarming event aimed at uniting the community and helping families in need. A local church, partnering with an organization, plans to give away hundreds of brand-new shoes to children as part of their mission to foster a sense of community.

“This is our 15th year doing this, and we’re just all about being a part of the solution, making sure young people get the positive message of Christ,” said Pastor Greg Jackson, director and pastor for City Takers Southwest Florida.

The annual Take the City Bash, organized by City Takers Southwest Florida, is scheduled for this Saturday. The event promises a back-to-school celebration featuring concerts, workshops, and free shoes for kids.

“There’s kids who show up at City Takers Southwest Florida with holes in their shoes. And there’s mothers, there’s fathers that come and they’re sleeping in cars. And so when we all come together, we can all make a difference,” Jackson said.

Jackson highlighted a pressing issue in Lehigh Acres—a lack of community and trust.

“You can’t do life alone. You have to reach out and accept the help that’s given to you,” said Jackson.

Pastor Omar Gonzalez of Victory Church emphasized the need to combat isolation and foster a sense of community.

“When I first came here about nine years ago, people didn’t know their neighbors… There’s this isolation, and we’re trying to break isolation and bring community,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez reassured the community of the church’s open-door policy.

“We will utilize any way we can connect with whoever we can to be able to provide that. The door is always open. We knock and the door is always open,” said Gonzalez.

The event welcomes everyone to attend. Workshops will begin at 9 a.m., with the main event scheduled for 6:45 p.m. 

Click here for more details on the SW FL Mission Base City Takers.