Hundreds of needy guests enjoyed a warm meal, received free footwear and had their feet washed during the annual Socks, Shoes, and Salvation outreach in downtown Victorville.
Hosted by the Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing, the annual event was held at The Lord’s Table on the campus of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.
“We’ve been on a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19, but we’re back to serve our community,” said Lead Nursing Instructor Lydia Garcia-Usry. “Our nursing students collected a lot of shoes over the years, so we have quite a selection.”
During the event, APU nurses washed and inspected hundreds of feet for infection, and instructed visitors on the importance of hygiene. They also offered foot care, especially for those with diabetes.
Several organizations participated in the event, such as the Victor Valley Rescue Mission, which provided mobile showers and Bridges Beauty College, which provided free haircuts.
The foot-washing event was held on Holy or Maundy Thursday, a day during Holy Week that commemorates when Jesus Christ washed the feet of his disciples after the Last Supper, according to scripture.
During the event, Victorville Mayor Debra Jones rolled up her sleeves and joined the nursing students in washing feet.
“I met a gentleman named Otis and it was such a blessing to have washed his feet,” said Jones, as she held back tears. “Just looking into his eyes, there was a connection of souls, neighbor to neighbor.”
Jones said the event site was like an “oasis of compassion and mercy” to those who needed food and comfort.
Inside the church’s Parish Hall. APU students were busy serving food to hungry visitors, including Mary Jenkins, 52, who lives in downtown Victorville.
“Sometimes, I scrape together a few bucks for a taco or burrito, but having a hot meal served to you is great,” said Jenkins, as she flashed a smile. “It’s also nice to be treated with respect.”
Jenkins said she felt blessed when a couple of APU students prayed for her.
APU student Melissa Bronson told the Daily Press that despite graduating in July, she plans on returning next year to serve.
“I love doing outreach, there’s nothing like it,” Bronson said. “It’s a bit more special now after COVID-19. It gives us the opportunity to minister face-to-face. It blesses us and those we serve.”
Other event participants included God’s Hand Extended, High Desert 2nd Chance, A Better Way, Preschool Services, Community Health Action Network and Ready for Reading Book Club.
High Desert Homeless Services also participated, along with Symba Clinic, St. Mary’s Medical Center and Wound Center, Children’s Choice Dental Care, and Nails by Wendy Martinez and Kayla Ruiz.
“Our purpose was to provide a day of refreshing for the souls of the High Desert,” Garcia-Usry said.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
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