IC Church collecting ‘Soles 4 Souls’ in shoe drive

By Kate Hayden | khayden@charlescitypress.com

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church is inviting community members to join their ‘Soles 4 Souls’ shoe drive between July 9-17. New or used shoes can be donated at the church donation boxes within the entrance, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The project is one of seven “works of mercy” during the Catholic Church’s Year of Mercy, Sister Diana Blong said.  Shoes will be sorted in Sheldon and distributed where the state organizers identify needs.

“It’s both national and international needs that are responded to,” Sister Blong said. “It’s a major project we were just fascinated by.”

The church has done three other projects so far this year, focusing on water conservation, prison outreach and food pantry collections.

“There has been a positive response, and we always include in the worship service prayers to make awareness,” Sister Blong said. “We’ve tried to do things that are, some are information, advocacy, direct service, and some are contributions, depending on what the needs are.”

The church is planning three more main projects for the year, including homelessness advocacy, sickness advocacy and death preparation and memorials.

-20160707-