Last year the story of a "bait truck" full of shoes that was left abandoned next to a basketball court by police in an attempt to lure Chicagoans into arrest went viral. In response, rapper/activist Vic Mensa's non-profit organization SaveMoneySaveLife teamed up with like-minded individuals and organizations to collect and gift over 10,000 pairs of shoes to the Englewood community at an event called The Anti-Bait Truck (for more info on that event, check out this article from Teen Vogue).
SaveMoneySaveLife has announced that Vic Mensa is partnering with professional football linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski for another shoe drive this fall, with the goal of collecting and distributing twice as many shoes for under-served communities in Chicago. They have just launched the sneaker-collection phase, which will run from Oct. 3 to Oct. 31. SaveMoneySaveLife has set up an Amazon Wishlist where folks can easily contribute online. Additionally, there is a GoFundMe campaign underway raising funds to offset the behind-the-scenes costs that make such an impactful event possible including facility storage, security, water, food, trucks and materials necessary to gift thousands of shoes throughout the city.
SaveMoneySaveLife will distribute the shoes between Nov.2019 and March 2020 at monthly "Giving Events." The Giving Events will be in partnership with establishments that Nick and Vic have handpicked, including a combination of underserved schools and partner organizations that either provide housing, advocacy and/or provide direct services to youth affected by homelessness and gun violence. More details to come soon.
ABOUT SAVEMONEYSAVELIFE
SaveMoneySaveLife aims to curate accessible events and programming which uplifts and contributes to pushing culture and creativity further. Their mission is to use art and entertainment to foster sustainable change and mental wellness. At its core, SMSL is a creative cohort—engaging community with cross-cultural, interdisciplinary programs and resources. Their project-oriented work aims to facilitate experiences—integrating activism, traditional knowledge, and community service. For more information on their programs and services, please visit the website or follow at @SaveMoneySaveLife on Instagram.
