by Winnie Hsiu
June 8, 2012 3:03 PM
Airport Mini Storage is hosting the first rummage sale fundraiser for Steppin' On Up. The fundraiser will be held at the storage facility at 7044 Arlington Ave. in Riverside, California. It will be held this Saturday, June 9, from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Steppin' On Up is a nonprofit organization based in Riverside, California. Even though it was organized less than one year ago, it has distributed almost 600 pairs of shoes. That's a lot of shoes!
Henry Funderburk founded the organization with just one thought in mind: to provide shoes for those who needed them. He wanted to help people who needed this basic necessity - especially children. His mission is to improve the quality of life by providing correct fitting shoes to those in need.
While growing up, there were many times that Henry did not have shoes. He suffered many injuries to his feet because he lacked footwear. Now, as an adult, he wants to reach out to those who are in similar situations and provide them with shoes.
Currently, his organization is staffed by five unpaid volunteers: Henry Funderburk, Janet Funderburk, Edwin Martinez, April Martin, and Diana Blas. If anybody is interested in volunteering or being a board member, the organization would welcome those who are interested. Please contact Henry Funderburk at 951-213-6297 or Henry_Funderburk@steppinonup.org.)
All donations go directly to supplying shoes to those in need. None of the money is used to pay salaries or overhead (such as office supplies or office space). Steppin' On Up supply several drop boxes at various locations throughout the community to collect donations. Donations are collected as least weekly.
The first shoe event that Steppin' On Up held was in February 2012. They donated 95 adult men's and women's shoes and 25 pairs of children's shoes to Pastor Ruth Record of CAYA ministries.
The organization also asks that people donate shoes (new or nearly new), socks, cleaning supplies, and purses. All shoe donations are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Then they are distributed to local organizations such as SafeHouse, Project Food at the First Congregational Church, Come As You Are Ministries, C.A.R.E., and Goodwill.
If you happen to be in the neighborhood on Saturday, drop by the Airport Mini Storage and make a purchase at the rummage sale. Bring along any new or lightly used shoes that you could also donate to Steppin' On Up. There are folks in the community that will be grateful for your generosity and kindness.
Sources Used:
"Riverside: Steppin' On Up rummage sale fundraiser set." The Press-Enterprise; 7 June 2012.
Steppin' On Up.
Airport Mini Storage.