Behind Every Smile Is a Story

Inspirational Stories

176 Seniors Have Happy Feet and Happy Hearts! 

Volunteers display new shoes provided to Tampa Bay seniors during a Samaritan's Feet 9/11 Day of Service event.

A new pair of shoes can provide more than comfort — it can improve mobility, reduce fall risks, and help older adults remain active and independent. On 9/11 Day of Service, volunteers came together to ensure 176 Tampa Bay seniors received not only new shoes, but also support, resources, and meaningful connections.

On 9/11 Day of Service, we teamed up with Samaritan’s Feet to give away 176 pairs of shoes to seniors throughout Tampa Bay! Many of these seniors are our Classroom Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers who depend on supportive shoes to help keep them on their feet doing what they love…Serving their community! 

Volunteers organize and prepare new shoes for seniors during a Samaritan's Feet community shoe giveaway event in Tampa Bay.

For seniors, the right pair of shoes is about more than just comfort. They play a crucial role in preventing falls. Each year, over 3 million older adults are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries, including broken bones and head injuries, which can be life-threatening. Thanks to Samaritan’s Feet, every senior who attended the event left with a brand new, nonslip pair of shoes that fit perfectly! 

Volunteers assist seniors with selecting and fitting new shoes during a Samaritan's Feet community giveaway event.

But the day was about more than just shoes. Each senior received a Hope Tote bag filled with cozy socks, a hygiene kit, and handwritten notes with uplifting messages. Tampa Bay agencies that support seniors joined us to share additional resources. The real magic came from our amazing volunteers who greeted each senior with a smile, helped them find and try on their shoes, served lunch, and made everyone feel special. Thank you to everyone who made this day filled with love, laughter, shoes, and service possible! 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Innovage logo
Shrader, Mendez & O'Connell Attorneys logo
City of Tampa logo
Samaritan's Feet logo

Help Seniors Stay Active & Connected

Join Seniors in Service as a volunteer or supporter and help older adults remain healthy, independent, and engaged in their communities. Together, we can create more moments of connection, dignity, and hope for seniors across Tampa Bay.

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Amy Manning

Amy Manning

Outreach and Communications Manager

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