By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

The physical therapy team at OSF Healthcare Saint James had been collecting new or gently used shoes throughout the month of October and the collection brought in a number much larger than anticipated.

Community Relations Coordinator Pam Meiner said they didn’t set any expectations beforehand, but when the final count came up to 450 pairs, they were very happy and appreciated the community support.

“We were astounded and overwhelmed, in a good way. The generosity of the community and our fellow OSF Mission Partners really turned out for those in need. When members of the team started calling organizations here in town and ask them if they would like some shoes, the eager response they received from those organizations just confirmed, for them, once again they had done a wonderful thing that would truly impact people in the community, especially with the winter months coming up,” Meiner said.

Shoes will be going to places like the Hope Pregnancy Center, Livingston County Health Department, the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent De Paul Pantry.