Baltimore Archdiocese Starts Pope Inspired Shoe Drive

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Pope Francis always talks about helping the poor, and the Archdiocese of Baltimore organized a shoe drive called "Feet for Francis" to follow in his footsteps.

Linh Bui reports for WJZ.

Immaculate Conception School in Towson has students following in the footsteps of Pope Francis.

As part of the "Feet for Francis" drive, they're giving their shoes to those in need.

"I feel lucky that I have things like this, but some people don't," said one seventh grader named Bianca. "To be able to help them really makes my day."

Many of the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore are involved with the fundraiser.

The shoes collected will end up in 26 developing countries – including Haiti, Honduras and Colombia.

"They don't have much," said one seventh grader, Tricia. "And even shoes to protect their feet is really a big deal for them."

Small business owners will repair and clean the shoes, then sell them to impoverished families for a small price.

"We are so overwhelmed with the amount of shoes that have been donated," said Corinne Cohagan, a teacher at the school. "We were expecting them to participate, but this is above and beyond."

Cohagan, who will attend Sunday's Papal Mass in Philadelphia, says it's an important lesson.

"The best thing that the kids can take away from this is the fact that charity is something that involves our entire being," said Cohagan. "Our faith is only full in so far as we live it out."

Several local Catholic schools are sending students and staff to Philadelphia to see Pope Francis, including Calvert Hall, Holy Family and Cathedral School.