Vox Church Distributes over 1,000 Pairs of Sneakers

September 19, 2023192 views0

Vox Church Distributes over 1,000 Pairs of Sneakers

2023-09-19T11:33:14+01:00

By Church News

A nondenominational congregation recently helped distribute more than 1,000 pairs of sneakers and school supplies to local low-income families.Vox Church of Springfield held its third annual sneaker giveaway event on September 10, in partnership with the local Boys & Girls Club. During the event, a pair of new sneakers and a backpack full of school supplies were given to needy students in the city.Vox Springfield team member Dan Tedone, who led the event, said every child who attended received a gift.“Vox Church thanks Health New England, Yankee Home Improvement, Springfield Together and Bethany Assemblies of God for donating additional money to purchase the remaining sneakers and provide funding for the event,” Tedone said.The event came about after pastor Matt DeCiccio was looking for ways to “make an impact in the city.”At the inaugural event in 2021, the church distributed approximately 600 pairs of sneakers to students in need. By 2022, the number rises to almost 1,000 pairs of sneakers.“In the third year, the event has a unique reputation in the city and local businesses and churches are ready to donate funds or products,” emphasized Tedone.He added, “Many Springfield leaders participated in the event, from Springfield’s mayor to state Senate representatives and City Council members. “This would not be possible without the support of many community partners.”Tedone described the event as “unique” and noted that attendees will not only receive new sneakers and backpacks but will also experience hope.“We don’t just give students new sneakers. “A volunteer sits in front of them, asks them their name, how old they are, what they want to do, and then asks them to take off their shoes and wash their feet,” he explained.“Every child has the option to say no, and we always respect their decision, but more than 95 percent of the students who attend say yes. The volunteers washed the feet of the students and explained to them that we serve because Jesus served us. In many cases, this action provides an opportunity to pray with the child and parents.Tedone stated that the event “showing the hope and love of Jesus to the children and families of the city of Springfield” and it’s a way his church wants to “see New England transformed from the least churched region in America to the most spiritually vibrant place” on earth.ALSO READ: Pope Francis Meets Sylvester Stallone at Vatican