Howard Payne University’s Department of Spanish and Hispanic Studies and Department of Social Work are partnering with the non-profit organization Buckner International to collect shoes for vulnerable children across the globe. The shoe drive will take place through Nov. 2 with donation boxes located in various buildings on the HPU campus: Davidson Music Complex, Girling Center for Social Justice, Guy D. Newman Hall of American Ideals (Newman Hall), HPU Theatre, L.J. Mims Auditorium, Packer Administration Building, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center, Thompson Academic Complex, Walker Memorial Library and Winebrenner Memorial Hall of Science.

In 2020, HPU and Buckner International announced the launch of a collaboration to give students opportunities for ministry and service. Dr. Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International, expressed his enthusiasm for the shoe drive, which was launched during Dr. Reyes’ message at HPU’s Chapel service on Oct. 5.

“The HPU Buckner shoe drive is another example of how the collaboration we forged two and a half years ago continues to help serve vulnerable children and families in Texas and internationally,” said Dr. Reyes. “Buckner Shoes for Orphans Souls® is one of our most popular programs because it allows any one person to make a tangible impact in the life of a child through the simple gift of a new pair of shoes. And when you involve the entire student body at a passionate, service-driven university like Howard Payne, the possibility to create real change is limitless. I look forward to learning how many children will be able to safely walk to school and be protected against injury and disease thanks to HPU’s students and their servant hearts.”

According to the Buckner website, Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls® is the largest humanitarian aid project of Buckner International and provides new shoes and socks to orphans and vulnerable children in the United States and throughout the world.

“We’re so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Buckner International for this shoe drive,” shared Isabela Avalos, assistant professor of social work and director of HPU’s social work program. “This will be a hands-on learning experience for our students as well as a chance for them to serve children in need.”

Those interested in donating shoes can drop them off at any of the designated boxes on campus. Shoes should be new athletic or canvas shoes in youth size one through adult size 12.

For more information about HPU’s shoe drive, contact Isabela Avalos at [email protected] or 325-649-8098. Visit www.Buckner.org for more information about Buckner International and www.Buckner.org/Shoes for more information about Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls.