Gulf Coast Media

Gulf Coast Media

April 11, 2025

21st annual Many More Miles shoe drive collects thousands of pairs for local families

Fairhope East Elementary: Christina Stacey, Principal, Beth Stocks and her winning 1st grade class, Beth Ann Mills, School Counselor, Will Wiggins, Executive Administrator, Baldwin Bone & Joint.

GCM Staff Report

More than 4,500 pairs of gently used shoes are finding new homes thanks to Baldwin Bone & Joint's 21st annual Many More Miles campaign, which wrapped up in March after weeks of community-wide collections.

The campaign, which began in January, was organized in partnership with City Hope Church, Baldwin County Public Schools, St. Michael Catholic High School and Bayshore Christian School. Shoes were collected to support families in need and individuals experiencing homelessness across Baldwin and Mobile counties.

"Together, through this simple act of giving, we look forward to delivering hope to those who need it, one pair of shoes at a time," said Melanie Daw, outreach coordinator for City Hope Church, who led the distribution effort alongside her team.

Donated shoes will be distributed through a network of community organizations including Empowering People, McKemie Place, Waterfront Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Baldwin County Foster Parents Association, Fostering Together Gulf Coast, Baldwin Family Village, CityHope Homeless Ministry, the Dream Center and local school clothing closets.

Baldwin County students played a key role, collecting shoes while raising funds for their schools. Fairhope East Elementary led the effort with 494 pairs, earning a $500 award. Bayside Academy followed with 400 pairs and a $300 prize, while Fairhope West Elementary contributed 210 pairs and received $200.

Beth Stocks of Fairhope East Elementary received the top class award, gathering 87 pairs. She was recognized with a cash prize and a class party sponsored by City Hope Church and Chick-fil-A.

Other participating schools included Rockwell Elementary, J Larry Newton School, Spanish Fort Elementary, Spanish Fort Middle, St. Michael Catholic High and Bayshore Christian.

The shoe drive, launched more than two decades ago, has become a staple of Baldwin Bone & Joint's community outreach, bolstered each year by contributions from patients, staff and local families.

For more information about Baldwin Bone & Joint and the Many More Miles campaign, visit https://baldwinboneandjoint.com or call (251) 625-2663.