Pasco County’s inaugural Two Good Soles 5K is raising money for new shoes and socks for local schoolchildren, with runners and walkers gathering at SunWest Park in Hudson.
The event, organised by Pasco County Government in partnership with the United Way of Pasco County, is supporting the 11th annual Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive. Every dollar raised through the race will go towards buying footwear for children in Pasco County Schools.
The 5K began at 8am at the waterfront park on Old Dixie Highway, with families and participants of all ages invited to take part. The event also includes a finisher’s medal, an awards ceremony and refreshments.
Two Good Soles 5K supports Pasco County students
The shoes and socks collected through the wider campaign are passed to the Pasco County School Board at the end of October. School social workers then distribute them to pupils whose families are facing financial hardship or have been affected by events such as house fires or hurricanes.
Organisers say larger sizes are particularly needed, with donations of shoes in size nine and above helping to meet demand among older children. New socks in all sizes are also being sought.
Over the past 11 years, the Two Good Soles drive has collected more than 24,000 pairs of shoes and 58,000 pairs of socks for children in the community.
Pasco County Board chairman Jack Mariano said the race offered a new way for residents to support local pupils, adding that every participant and donation could make a difference.
The final amount raised by the inaugural race, along with the number of participants, has not yet been released.
