CLARION, Pa. — Christmas is a time of giving and one local couple has the giving spirit.
[Above: Linda Arbogast (right) recently dropped off 14 pairs of new shoes at the YMCA. She is pictured with staff member Rachel Berry.]
Paul and Linda Arbogast of Shippenville recently donated shoes they purchased for the YMCA for the Community Shoe Drive. The Arbogast’s donation of 14 pairs of shoes will help the YMCA reach their goal of 2,500.
“We are beyond blessed,” said Linda Arbogast. “We want to help others who are not as fortunate.”
New and used shoes of all types are being collected through January 31. The YMCA plans to distribute the shoes to impoverished nations for the start of micro-enterprise businesses to help people in need. The shoes can impact an entire community.
The idea for the shoe drive came to YMCA Branch Director Jesse Kelley as he was thinking about the last time he wore some of the shoes he owned.
“We are so blessed here in the US, and we take that for granted,” said Kelley.
“There are people in need all over the world. Why not look at what we actually need and what we don’t and give away some of the shoes you don’t really need. At the Y, we try to help the community. We can all do our part to help others,” he said.
Several local businesses have partnered to help with the drive and will accept shoes. Shoes can be dropped off at Kate’s Hair Studio, Clarion Forest VNA, Clarion Ford, Primary Health Network, Comet Food Warehouse, and Redbank Chevrolet in New Bethlehem.
Local businesses that would like to partner with the Y to collect shoes can contact William Richter at 814-764-3400.
“With the help of others, we can give blessings to people who don’t have shoes,” said Kelley.
The YMCA will accept shoes through January 31.
(Linda Arbogast is pictured with Bob MacKinlay. Both are members of the YMCA and work out daily.)
About the YMCA
For more information about the Clarion County YMCA and Y programs, please visit the YMCA website at www.clarioncountyymca.org, call 814-764-3400 and follow the Y on Facebook.
The Clarion County YMCA is a branch of the Scenic Rivers Association, which includes the Oil City YMCA, Clarion County YMCA, Younger Days Child Care, and Camp Coffman.
Hours
The Clarion County YMCA hours are Weekdays 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(Article submitted by Michelle Murray, Marketing & Membership Director, Clarion County YMCA, Oil City YMCA, and YMCA Camp Coffman)
Clarion County YMCA and exploreClarion.com have partnered to provide the community with YMCA News. This is an exclusive article only found on exploreClarion.com.
The Clarion County YMCA is a branch of the Scenic Rivers Association, which includes the Oil City YMCA, Clarion County YMCA, Younger Days Child Care and Camp Coffman.
