Charlotte, N.C. – In knowing that what you do off the court matters just as much as what you do on, the Queens University of Charlotte women's basketball team has partnered with Samaritan's Feet Organization to help give back to the community.

To date, the Samaritan's Feet Organization has given away over 1,540,000 pairs of shoes on their mission to provide for those in need. With a goal to inspire hope through the gift of shoes, the act of washing feet, and encouragement, Samaritan's Feet looks to make a difference in not only the community but in the world around as they have worked in Colombia, Kenya, Nicaragua, Haiti, Honduras, India, and the Dominican Republic.

That mission of serving and helping others is what grabbed the attention of Head Women's Basketball Coach Susan Yow. "It was a special time for our team," said Coach Yow. "We would like to thank The Talent Bridge Co. for allowing us to partner with them and Samaritan's Feet. The joy that filled the room as we interacted with the students was motivating and fun."  

Taking a whole day, Queens, along with the Royal Cheerleaders and students from campus, went to Sedgefield Elementary School where they washed feet, and provided clean socks and brand new shoes to the students.

"It was an amazing and humbling experience working with the organization," said Queens's basketball player Carmen Richardson. "It gave me a chance to put a smile on a child's face and get to know what made each child special in their own unique way. 

From kindergarteners to fifth graders, the Royals spent time getting to know the person sitting across from them. Washing the feet of a young student, in hopes of inspiring them or showing them care. As the players asked their young counterpart about their day, what sports they played, and what they wanted to be when they grew up, smiles and laughter filled the room.

For some students, this was the chance to meet and hangout with college kids. For others, this was an opportunity for not only new shoes, but shoes that were the correct size. Shoes that fit. To receive what they may not be fortunate enough to already possess. It was a chance for Queens to impact those in their backyard.

"Interacting with the kids at the school warmed my heart," said Richardson. "It allowed me to remember my childhood days and how fortunate I was in certain situations. It was also great to have the kids trust in me and want to tell me who they were and what they wanted to be in life. I was able to make the kids smile and laugh by just enjoying a short, but memorable conversation. I also opened their eyes to the fact that it does not matter where you come from, but how big your heart is. I wanted to make sure the kids knew that all things are possible."
 
While Queens left with wet clothes from wet feet, they also left with smiles. They left with joy knowing that they impacted the lives of so many, and while their day of washing feet may have passed, the team is not done trying to make a difference.
 
The Royals have decided to make their season opener a partnership with Samaritan's Feet. Yow will coach from the sidelines in her bare feet, during the SAC/CC Tournament to help raise awareness for the cause. The team will also collect money and shoes at the door to the arena to help supply and fund the charity.


To find out more about Samaritan's Feet please visit www.samaritansfeet.org