Nearly 200 shoes donated to homeless children in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Heart of Florida United Way and Coalition for the Homeless teamed up with Geico to give nearly 200 pairs of shoes for homeless children in Central Florida.

Families gathered Friday at a children’s playground at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida for the shoe giveaway.

READ: Child Tax Credit: What day will the next deposit be in your account?

Organizers said 1-in-5 children in the U.S. live in poverty and shoes are one of the most expensive items for low-income families to purchase.

Photos: Nearly 200 shoes donated to homeless children in Central Florida

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 8

Nearly 200 shoes donated to homeless children in Central Florida The Heart of Florida United Way and Coalition for the Homeless teamed up with Geico to give nearly 200 pairs of shoes for homeless children in Central Florida.

Officials said some families tell them they must make a choice between putting food on the table or new shoes on their children’s feet.

Organizers said they received a donation of 167 athletic shoes to distribute at the event.

READ: Winter the Dolphin, star of ‘Dolphin Tale,’ dies at Clearwater Aquarium

Officials said on any given night, approximately 100 children are sheltered at Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, which is around a quarter of the shelter’s residents.

The Heart of Florida United Way said it is the largest provider of funds to the region’s most critical health and human service programs.

WATCH: Nearly 700 Orange County teachers have left the job since the school year started: Here’s why

Last year, Heart of Florida United Way delivered more than $23 million in programs and services throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida said it serves up to 500 men, women, and children through its residential shelters, as well as more than 100 unsheltered individuals through its community initiatives.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

©2021 Cox Media Group