|
This vision is at the heart of Freccero's
current brainstorm, Project Shoe Assist. Two
months ago, he set up drop-off points at
numerous East Bay sites for folks to donate
their used sneakers that he would deliver to
Bolar later this month.
His goal was to collect 500 to 1,000 pairs, but
thanks to strong marketing and a generous
community, Freccero is ready to unload almost
3,000 pairs.
"This has taken on a life of its own," Freccero
said. "It's been incredible and overwhelming.
We're still getting calls from people who wanted
to contribute but we've had to shut it down. We
have to organize them now."
The Brazilian kids won't be scoring worn-out
Chuck Taylors.
The Golden State Warriors donated 100 new pairs.
So did Nike. Freccero estimates 350 shoes will
be brand new. "We've received baby shoes to size
18," he said. "We've got penny loafers, work
boots, you name it and we got it."
Forty percent of the shoes will be sent via air
this week to Brazil. The other 60 percent will
be transported by ship. According to Freccero,
shoes, instead of money, are often offered to
needy teens by South American drug dealers in
exchange for them pedaling the illegal
substances.
"If we can equip that same kid with his own
shoes, then maybe we keep him or her off the
streets and on the courts," Freccero said.
|
Where there's a need, 