PACOIMA : MEND Begins Shoe Drive to Aid Needy

When people think about footwear during the summer, it’s generally in terms of how to avoid it as much as possible. This isn’t the case at the MEND (Meeting People’s Needs with Dignity) Center in Pacoima.

MEND has begun its annual shoe drive this month, collecting shoes to distribute to low-income and homeless children in preparation for the coming school year. The shoe drive will continue through Aug. 15.

MEND, which opened in 1971, is a nonprofit organization serving the northeast San Fernando Valley. Three days a week, MEND serves food to about 75 families, and it distributes clothing to about 30 families a day.

Last year the organization collected and distributed about 300 pairs of shoes. With the help of the community, the group hopes to improve on that number this year. The goal is to give at least one pair of shoes to every child in need. Donated shoes should be brought to the MEND Center, 13460 Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima. For information, call Lupe Acosta, clothing manager, at (818) 896-0246.