'Boots for Kids' Aims to Warm 2,000 Feet in Great Lakes Bay Region

November 20, 2011
By: O. J. Cunningham

Homelessness is on the rise, and with winter on its way, the statistics are chilling. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Health Alliance Plan (HAP) have partnered up, asking local communities to help children stay warm and dry this winter with HAP's "Boots for Kids" program.

From now until the end of January, the Bay Area Chamber is collecting new children's winter boots that will be distributed to the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.

In 2010, with the help of more than 20 community partners, HAP collected 650 pairs of children's boots (more than $16,000 estimated value). A greater demand for boots is being anticipated this year as homeless rates continue to rise, so a lofty goal to collect 1,000 pairs of boots - including larger sizes for teens - was set this year.

The Bay Area Chamber is encouraging members to help our community by bringing a pair of boots, a store gift card, cash or a check (made out to the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission with "Boots for Kids" in the memo) to the December 6 Eye Opener Breakfast, which will be held at 7:30 a.m. at Bay Valley Resort and Conference Center.

A drop-off box is in their office, located at 901 Saginaw St. in downtown Bay City. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The general public is encouraged to stop in to make a donation.

The Bay Area Chamber and HAP are committed to improving the quality of life for families in our community. Help by preventing local children from facing a bitterly cold winter with a warm pair of boots.

Boots are also being collected for Carriage Town Ministries of Flint, Flint Eastside Mission, Outreach East in Davison, City Rescue Mission of Saginaw, Love INC of Greater Lapeer and Pathway Shelter of Port Huron.