Shoe Bank

THE SHOE BANK MISSION AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – MANSFIELD, PA

The Shoe Bank began as a church ministry in October of 2013. It was created in order to help children from ages 0-18 receive a new pair of socks and sneakers. Children 0-3 years old are eligible to receive shoes every 3 months. Children 3 and over are eligible to recieve shoes every 6 months. Children and families receiving some form of public assistance are eligible. The Shoe Bank is held on the third floor of our church on the second Saturday of each month during the months of August– May from 9:30AM – 12PM. On average, there are 25-30 children served each month. This mission serves the Southern Tioga, Wellsboro Area and Troy Area school districts and as far south as Lycoming county.

With a financial donation and the help of key supporters of this mission, a second Shoe Bank was opened in the Northern Tioga School District January 12, 2019. This was a much needed Mission in the northern section of our county.

We rely solely on volunteers for purchasing socks and shoes, welcoming families as they enter the church, staffing the pre-registration area, registration of children, helping with the sizing for shoes and socks, assisting the fitting of shoes in the boys’ and girls’ rooms, assisting the entire family in the gently used shoe room. Volunteers help aide the children in picking a new book, bibles and other giveaway items that are donated to this mission.

Volunteers are from First United Methodist Church, Covington Church of Christ, Holy Child, New Covenant and the community at large. Donations are received from local churches, foundations, organizations, clubs, individuals and schools.

Much prayer, love and helping hands of many have made this mission a success! Since October, 2013 we have provided 2,674 pairs of sneakers to children in our community.