BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday morning for Orlie's fourth annual shoe drive, a community event that has grown in popularity each year.
- The event included food, free water, water slides, and two races, a 1.5-mile and a 5K. It has become a fun family event and a summer highlight for Bakersfield.
- Over 400 people registered this year, leading to 550 pairs of shoes donated. Participation and contributions have increased substantially.
- Organizers announced that the next annual shoe drive will be held in May of next year.
Each entry in this year’s race at the 4th annual Orlie’s Shoe Drive equaled a new pair of shoes for children in need. Held on Saturday morning, the event saw hundreds of participants gather to support the cause.
“Every year has gotten bigger. Despite the heat, we’ve had 150 more sign-ups than last year, so I’m totally stoked about that.” says Nicole Vigil, co-founder of Orlie’s Shoe Drive
Organizers reported that over 400 people registered this year, leading to the donation of up to 550 pairs of shoes. The event featured food, free water, water slides, and two races, a 1.5-mile run and a 5K.
“It’s just a fun family event. There’s not a lot to do in Bakersfield this summer, so we really pride ourselves on being that highlight for Bakersfield,” Vigil added.
During the event, Orlie’s Shoe Drive received a $500 check from 23ABC, which will further aid in helping kids in need.
Oscar Arellano, one of the 5K racers, shared his thoughts on the shoe drive “It’s just a beautiful thing to be able to give kids shoes that are in need. No kid should have to go through life with a beat-up pair of shoes.”
Organizers were thrilled with the turnout and announced that the next annual shoe drive will be held in May of next year.
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