West Columbia, SC – The Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC), in partnership with SOLE Stepping and Molina Healthcare, will donate more than 200 pairs of new shoes to children from low-to-moderate income families in the Midlands. The event will take place on Saturday, January 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the BLEC building located at 1218 Batchelor Street, West Columbia.
The day will begin with a brief ceremony honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose vision of service and unity continues to inspire millions.
“We are excited to provide this much-needed service to families in our community,” said Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, BLEC executive director. “Shoes are often one of the most visible signs of poverty. This initiative can make a tangible difference in the lives of children who face these challenges every day.”
SOLE Stepping, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing new shoes and socks to South Carolina elementary school children, will contribute to the event for the first time. The organization’s founder, Kara Miller, emphasized the importance of this effort: “SOLE Stepping is honored to join BLEC in commemorating Dr. King’s legacy. We hope to inspire future generations to continue his work.”
Molina Healthcare, a leading provider of managed health care services, is sponsoring the event as part of its commitment to improving the lives of underserved families.
Since its inception in 2016, SOLE Stepping has provided more than 15,000 pairs of new shoes to children in need. “A new pair of shoes can transform a child’s confidence and positively impact their school experience,” added Dr. Richburg Cotton.
For more information, contact Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton at 803-744-7943 or via email at [email protected], or reach Kara Miller at 843-826-1189 or [email protected].
