Pasco County officials and United Way of Pasco County teamed up this weekend to debut the Two Good Soles 5K at Sunwest Park in Hudson. The race was designed as a fresh way to rally community support and generate funds for the 11th annual Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive, which provides essential footwear to local students.
How the event supports the shoe drive
Every dollar raised by participants goes straight to purchasing new shoes and socks for children whose families are coping with house fires, hurricanes, or financial hardship. “The goal is simple: make sure every student can step into school with proper footwear,” said Support Services Director Paula Baracaldo. Over the past 11 years the drive has collected more than 24,000 pairs of shoes and 58,000 pairs of socks, but demand remains high, especially for sizes nine and up for older kids.
Community partners and participation
Local businesses and volunteer groups helped organize collection points throughout the county, ensuring donated items reach the school board’s distribution hub at the end of October. Social workers will then hand the footwear directly to students identified as needing assistance. “We see a direct link between having the right shoes and a child’s ability to focus in class and on the playing field,” noted Pasco County School Board Chair Colleen Beaudoin. While officials have not yet released the total amount raised or the exact number of runners, early feedback suggests strong community turnout.
How to get involved
Residents who cannot attend the race can still contribute by donating shoes, socks, or cash through the United Way website. The organization emphasizes that donations of larger sizes are especially valuable for teenagers and young adults. “Every pair makes a difference,” Baracaldo added, urging families to check the online portal for drop‑off locations.
Looking ahead
The Two Good Soles 5K is slated to become an annual fixture in Pasco County’s calendar, with organizers hoping to expand both participation and the amount of footwear collected each year. By tying a popular fitness event to a charitable cause, the county aims to strengthen community bonds while addressing a basic need for its youngest residents.
For more information on the drive, donation options, or future race dates, visit the United Way of Pasco County website.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
