COUNTYWIDE : Foot Doctors Collect Shoes for Homeless

The Ventura County Podiatric Medical Assn. wants you to let someone else fill your shoes.

After a successful shoe collection drive for the homeless last spring, the association is having another go at it for the holidays.

“If you don’t use them anymore, we’ll find someone who can,” said Richard J. Robinson, president of the county’s 17-member podiatric association. Robinson estimated that each association member was able to deliver between 50 and 100 pairs of shoes at the end of the spring drive.

This round has started off a little slower, although Thousand Oaks podiatrist Benjamin Adams is well on his way.

Adams has gathered at least 100 pairs of shoes in a big cardboard box and several shopping bags. He plans to take them this week to the Ventura County Rescue Mission in Oxnard.

“They’re all over our office,” said Mary Sitter, Adams’ receptionist.

Those who want to donate old or new shoes may call 656-FOOT to learn the location of the closest podiatrist’s office.

Jan. 1 is the official cutoff date for dropping off shoes, but Robinson said the association will accept them through the end of January. All shoes will be delivered to agencies helping the homeless.