Shoes for Orphan Souls: ShoeNews

By Analiz González
Buckner International

(LUBBOCK, Texas) — The Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball team opened their first Big 12 game with an act of charity.

On Jan. 9, in a game against Baylor University, the Raiders handed general admissions tickets to fans who donated new shoes, socks and laces for Shoes for Orphan Souls, a Buckner ministry that distributes shoes to needy and orphan children in 55 countries around the world.

“Coach Curry is very supportive of Shoes for Orphan Souls,” said Julia Stark, coordinator of Buckner International’s Shoes for Orphan Souls. “She was very interested in our ministry and took the time to thank us for what we do to help children and families.”

Elvis J. Moya, director of marketing promotions for the Texas Tech Lady Raiders said Kristy Curry, Texas Tech basketball coach, was the one to suggest the donation. The Raiders have never done this type of charity before. But it’s already on the calendar for next year.

“We look at it as a community service event,” Moya said. “If they are donating shoes, we are giving back to the community for what they do. We are also putting people in the seats who may not otherwise be able to see the game. It’s a win-win situation. And it’s successful because it helps Buckner.”

At least seven large trash bags filled with shoes were collected at the game, but the final count will not be announced until the next Raiders home game to be played against the University of Texas at Austin on January 29.