JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) -The University of Jamestown men’s and women’s basketball teams are hosting their Samaritan’s Feet Barefoot Basketball Games and Shoe Drive on Wednesday, December 4th when the Jimmies host Dordt University in a doubleheader at the Harold Newman Arena.

Coach Thad Sankey and his women’s basketball staff and Coach Danny Neville and his men’s basketball staff will all coach their games in their bare feet to help bring awareness to the need for shoes both here in the U.S. and around the world. The women’s game will tip off at 6:00 p.m. followed by the men’s game at 8:00 p.m.

Fans who donate new children’s shoes will be admitted to the game for free; one free admittance per pair of shoes. Those willing to donate shoes are encouraged to donate new athletic shoes in sizes Toddler 10-13 or Children’s 1-5.

On Saturday, February 1st, a shoe distribution will be held to benefit local students in area communities. In the first two years of the event, over 325 shoes have been distributed to children in Stutsman County. Since 2013, over 7,600 pairs of shoes have been distributed in North Dakota in 8 different cities, including Jamestown.

“Samaritan’s Feet is thrilled to continue to partner with the University of Jamestown,” said Denise Blomberg, Regional Director, Operations for Samaritan’s Feet. “Their efforts to encourage servant leadership among their coaches, student athletes and university as a whole is such a blessing to not only our organization but to Jamestown and the surrounding communities.”

Earlier this year, the first-ever Samaritan’s Feet Global Ambassadors chapter was established at the University of Jamestown as a student organization with over 60 members, serving as a template for student engagement for other colleges and universities across the country. Their efforts were recognized by the University of Jamestown Office of Student Life this past spring for Outstanding Event, Outstanding Group Advisor (Dr. Mika Thorlakson) and Outstanding Student Organization.