Podiatrists Collect Shoes for the Poor
Podiatrists countywide hope to collect 2,001 pairs of shoes for the needy in a donation drive that continues through February.
Last year, the drive organized by the Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Society netted nearly 1,000 pairs of shoes.
This year, about 20 podiatrists throughout the county, in addition to a few hospitals, have agreed to accept donations of new and nearly new shoes. Both children’s and adult sizes are needed, especially shoes that can be worn to school or work.
Donated shoes will be distributed to area shelters with the help of the United Way and the Salvation Army.
Newer shoes help keep a person’s feet in good shape, said Dr. Joseph T. Ferrante, a Burbank podiatrist who is helping with the collection.
“Usually, people in shelters have limited access to medical care,” he said. “This is a type of preventive medicine, in a mild sense.”
For a list of podiatrists and hospitals that are collecting shoes, call the Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Society at (800) 654-FEET.
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