Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) will host its Third “School Shoe Event” to assist families with the necessity of shoes. The agency plans to give away 600 pairs of shoes to registered clients over two days.

The event will be held from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, August 22, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, at the AEOA Central Office Building Basement Conference Room in Virginia (702 3rd Avenue S).

In the past two years, AEOA has provided 916 pairs of shoes and 4,580 pairs of socks to students in K-12th grade that were in need of a new pair of shoes to begin the school year. The need is so great, the agency has a waitlist for shoes.

In St. Louis County alone, approximately 5,300 kids under the age of 18 are living in poverty (Minnesota Compass, 2020). This is often perceived as a household's inability to meet food and housing needs. However, families have many other needs that are frequently overlooked, such as clothing and shoes.

AEOA worked with L&M Fleet Supply to get provide shoes for the event.

For more information contact:   

Emily Bombich, AEOA, Director of Planning | (218) 735-6834 | [email protected] | aeoa.org

Fellicia Smith, Minnesota Community Action Partnership, Communications Specialist | (651) 236-8575 | [email protected]  | minncap.org