BLOOMINGTON — A drive coordinated Aug. 9 to 13 by OSF St. Joseph Medical Center here and podiatrist Dr. Todd Snoeyink resulted in the donation of more than 3,200 pairs of shoes for needy people of the region.

The total surpassed last year’s donation of 2,800 pairs of shoes to the annual drive, begun seven years ago by Dr. Snoeyink “to help prevent cold-related injuries that could arise in the homeless population from inadequate shoe gear during the cold winter months.”

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center has been directly involved for the past two years, collecting the donations of new or gently used men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes at four OSF sites including a drive through drop-off location in the medical center parking lot.

The donated shoes were delivered in bags and boxes on Monday to a homeless shelter in Bloomington operated by Home Sweet Home Ministries. Clients living at the shelter will receive first choice of three pairs of shoes each. The remaining shoes will be given to other local social service agencies, and surplus shoes will then be placed in the Mission Mart thrift store for sale.

The generous community response has led to an “evolution” of the program, said Dr. Snoeyink. Supporting sponsors include WJBC Radio, PODS, Lamar, and The Pantagraph.