Lagniappe

Lagniappe

April 25, 2025

Many More Miles completes another successful shoe donation campaign - Lagniappe
BY J. MARK BRYANT

Fairhope East Elementary: Christina Stacey, principal; Beth Stocks and her winning first-grade class; Beth Ann Mills, school counselor; Will Wiggins, executive administrator, Baldwin Bone & Joint.

The Many More Miles campaign is a community outreach initiative that collects gently used footwear to support local individuals and families in need. Organizers say approximately 32,650 pairs of shoes have been donated during the initial two decades.

Baldwin Bone & Joint PC, City Hope Church and Baldwin County schools partnered to collect the shoes. The campaign, now in its 21st year, recently wrapped up with the shoe distribution to various local organizations. Hundreds of people in Baldwin and Mobile counties took part.

“The 21st annual Many More Miles campaign was a huge success and collected more than 4,500 shoes that will be going to those who need them the most. A special thank you goes to Fairhope East Elementary, Bayside Academy and Fairhope West Elementary for coordinating the donation of over 1,100 shoes to the project this year,” Will Wiggins, executive administrator of Baldwin Bone & Joint, said.

“We also want to thank City Hope Church and Pamela Denham & Associates for being incredible partners. This project could not be successful without the support of the community and we appreciate you all very much. Thank you and God bless.”

Baldwin County students were challenged to collect shoes for area families in need while earning money for their schools. The top three individual schools listed below brought in the greatest number of shoes, and each received a check from Baldwin Bone & Joint to assist their schools’ physical education departments: 

• 1st Place: Fairhope East Elementary (494 pairs), $500 award;
• 2nd Place: Bayside Academy (400 pairs), $300 award;
• 3rd Place: Fairhope West Elementary (210 pairs), $200 award;
• Overall Class/Teacher Winner: Beth Stocks, Fairhope East Elementary (87 pairs).

The cash prizes and a Chick-fil-A class party were provided by City Hope Church. Recognition and further appreciation went to Rockwell Elementary, J. Larry Newton, Spanish Fort Elementary, Spanish Fort Middle, St. Michael Catholic High and Bayshore Christian for their additional contributions.

More than 90 percent of shoe donations are through Baldwin County schools. 

“It’s amazing what something as simple as a pair of shoes can do for someone,” Eddie Tyler, Superintendent of the Baldwin County Public Schools, said.

“Things that many of us take for granted can mean the world to someone else. For a child, it may mean they can walk the halls of their school with pride. For adults, it may be a means to help them provide for their family. Shoes are instrumental for everyday life, and we could not think of a better cause to be involved in.”

Over the years, shoes donated by the local schools have provided a large collective donation to this important campaign. The response from the community and staff, and patients of Baldwin Bone & Joint also made a significant contribution to this year’s campaign.

Under the experienced distribution of City Hope Church Outreach Coordinator Melanie Daw and her team, these shoes will go directly to those in need across Baldwin and Mobile counties through the partnering organizations Empowering People, McKemie Place, Waterfront Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, Baldwin County Foster Parents Association, Fostering Together Gulf Coast, Baldwin Family Village, City Hope Homeless Ministry, The Dream Center and local homeless communities. Additionally, shoes will be distributed to clothing closets in schools across Baldwin County to assist students in need.

Daw said, “Together, through this simple act of giving, we look forward to delivering hope to those who need it, one pair of shoes at a time!”

BEING RECOGNIZED

Baldwin Bone & Joint announced that its Many More Miles campaign was selected as a finalist for Business Alabama’s Philanthropic Project of the Year. The annual community shoe drive collected a record-breaking 5,000 pairs of footwear in 2024 to help those in need.

“We are beyond thrilled with the outpouring of support for this cause and are proud of 21 years of Many More Miles,” Wiggins said. “Finding homes for over 5,000 pairs of shoes annually is something all of us in Baldwin County can get behind, and we sincerely appreciate all who participate. Thank you to Baldwin County schools, businesses, churches and residents for supporting those in need.”

The eventual winner for Philanthropic Project of the Year was Doc Rock. This is a “battle of the bands” style event where at least one member of each band has an affiliation with USA Health. Proceeds benefit research and critical clinical needs at the Mobile medical facility.

ADDING SUPPORT

Since 1989, Baldwin Bone & Joint has offered expert orthopedic care to patients of all ages, with all conditions. As fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and experienced clinicians, they are recognized leaders in the field of orthopedics, providing the most current treatment available. With 21 licensed medical providers on staff, Baldwin Bone & Joint is the largest privately owned orthopedic specialty practice in Baldwin County.

Office locations include Daphne, Bay Minette, Foley, Fairhope, Spanish Fort and Atmore. Specialized clinics available include The Spine Institute at Baldwin Bone & Joint, The Center for Sports Medicine, The Shoulder Center at Baldwin Bone & Joint and The Osteo Health Clinic.

Baldwin Bone & Joint has also added another community event to its résumé, as they help to sponsor the Gulf Coast Paddle & Racket Battle in Daphne. To learn more about the medical practice, call (251) 625-2663 or visit baldwinboneandjoint.com.

City Hope is one church with multiple locations, both in Alabama and around the world. “If there’s one message everyone wants to be a part of, it’s the message of hope. No matter what corner of the Earth we find ourselves in, we aim to bring hope into every life, every home, every city,” according to City Hope staff. “We also believe in the power of family. Our goal is to fight for the absolute best for your family - financially, spiritually and developmentally.” To learn more about the church’s mission, visit cityhope.cc.