The State - News from Feb. 17, 1987

About 180 homeless people in San Jose received free pairs of shoes from San Francisco 49ers lineman Bubba Paris. Paris said he organized the giveaway after he studied his tax statements and realized how much money he had paid to the government. That, he said, encouraged him to give shoes “to the people who need them.” Added Paris, “I was able to make a dent in a large wall. . . . If everyone makes a dent, it will come down.” Paris had planned to give away 100 pairs of shoes, provided by the company with which he has an endorsement contract. Area shoe outlets added another 95 pairs for women and children, and all but 15 of the 195 pairs were snapped up.