Volunteers from Sioux Falls Asbury UMC at the Samaritan's Feet shoe distribution and foot washing at Hayward Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Asbury UMC.

Samaritan’s Feet held its 5th annual shoe and sock giveaway in Sioux Falls Saturday morning, August 18.

Roughly 350 volunteers, mostly United Methodists, gathered at three different locations across the city to help wash feet and distribute more than 1500 pairs of brand new shoes and socks to kids in need. 

Sioux Falls First UMC and Sioux Falls Wesley UMC were host locations. Volunteers from Sioux Falls Asbury UMC distributed shoes and washed feet at Hayward Elementary school. Sioux Falls Hilltop UMC volunteers assisted at Wesley UMC.

Volunteer Jennifer Larsen and her 17-year-old son Jake are up to their elbows in heels at First United

A volunteer from Sioux Falls Hilltop UMC washes the feet of a student before they receive their new shoes. Photo courtesy of Hilltop UMC.

Methodist Church, sorting kids’ sneakers ahead of the Samaritan's Feet giveaway.

"I volunteer for this because it's really rewarding.  It's so fun to see the kids be so excited to have a brand-new pair of shoes and get ready to go to school," Larsen told KELO TV.

Before the kids pick-up their shoes, they get their feet washed inside these plastic tubs.  It's an act of generosity and humility that forges a spiritual bond between the child and the volunteer.

"You kind of kneel down.  It's kind of humbling, but you also talk to the child while you're doing that.  It's just a great way to be a blessing for that moment," First United Methodist Church Pastor Bob Ruedebusch, as quoted in the KELO TV story.

A ritual like the washing of feet shows how volunteers with Samaritan's Feet are stepping up to help kids-in-need.

To learn more about Samaritan's Feet here.