“Who would most benefit from the shoes,” said O’Brien, who asked the question. “We have considered homeless families, young people with autism spectrum disorder and adults with disabilities. We’re always looking for the right fit for the right customer and that includes area non-profit organizations that can assist with distributing the shoes to their families. Helping People Succeed was exactly that match.”

O’Brien gave praise to Linda Lavelle, of Lavelle Spa and Salon, also located in Cedar Pointe, for suggesting Helping People Succeed. Through the non-profit organization’s Baby Steps, Healthy Families and Children’s Mental Health programs, Helping People Succeed was able to determine the need for new shoes for many Moms and Dads. “It’s always important to have a good pair of shoes, if you’re going on a job interview or just need shoes that fit your feet well,” O’Brien said.

The Village Bootery also included a number of Vera Bradley items in the donation.

Kathy Derringer, Vice President of Successful Families, said the shoes were an amazing quality product available for men and women. “The 250 pairs were distributed within two days to very needy families,” she added.

“Some of these men and women have never owned a new pair of shoes,” said Suzy Hutcheson, President/CEO of Helping People Succeed. “What a joy for them to have new shoes and for our organization to be able to meet their needs through a local business.”

Helping People Succeed is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving 4,500 families in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties with programs for children from newborns to five years old, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral health services, employment for adults with disabilities and more.