Shoeman to Throw First Pitch at Rascals' Game

George "Shoeman" Hutchings is at it again.

In his continuing mission to turn shoes into drinking water, Hutchings will take to the mound at O'Fallon's  tonight to throw out the first pitch before the River City Rascals baseball game against the Rockford Riverhawks.

Hutchings, founder of the Fenton-based Shoeman Water Projects, is hoping fans arrive at the game with a pair of new or gently worn shoes to donate to the cause. There will be special collection bins ready to be filled by fans when the game commences at 7:05 p.m.

Hutchings is known for his ability to turn shoes into clean drinking water. Over 1.5 million shoes have been collected since the nonprofit program was launched in August 2008. Many residents of St. Charles County, St. Louis County, and surrounding areas have played a role in achieving that tally by participating in shoe drives. 

Rascals fans are encouraged to continue the outreach by bringing new and unused shoes to drop off containers at the ball park entrance. Shoes should have no rips or holes and be tied together.

The shoes achieve two goals: they provide footwear for people who cannot afford shoes, and they provide water for people who thirst for clean drinking water.

Shoeman Water Projects exports the shoes to places where shoes are often not affordable but greatly needed. Wearing shoes prevents cuts and parasites from entering the body. The shoes are sold for pennies on the dollar to the people needing them.

The proceeds are used to drill for clean water in countries such as Kenya and Haiti and to support the installation of water purification systems and training for the people who operate them, helping improve both physical and economic health.

Businesses, organizations, schools, faith communities and individuals who wish to organize a shoe drive or find the nearest drop-off facility should visit Shoeman Water Project’s website, or call 636-751-8197.