JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The University of Jamestown Basketball coaches and staff will be going barefoot for their game on Saturday, January 19th to raise awareness and shoe donations.

University of Jamestown Athletic Director Sean Johnson says the goal is to raise the awareness surrounding the need for shoes in the region. Johnson says this will be the second year of their shoe drive for Samaritan’s Feet.

Johnson says Coaches Thad Sankey and Danny Neville along with their staff will be coaching barefoot to bring attention to the drive and show support.

Samaritan’s Feet is an international organization with the goal of ensuring no child has to go without shoes. Founded by Emmanuel “Manny” Ohonme, they’ve been able to raise thousands of pairs of shoes to help area kids.

Johnson says all new shoes donated will stay and help kids in Stutsman County. Right now, they’ve gotten a great head start on the shoe drive.

Right now, donations of new shoes sizes toddler 10-13 and youth sizes 1-5 are being accepted at the Harold Newman Arena. They’ll then distribute all shoes to children who have pre-registered on January 26th.

You can find photos from last year’s shoe distribution here.