Longtime cobbler and his wife help unemployed put their best foot forward

By Staci Dennis
Correspondent

VIRGINIA BEACH

Vincent Pierce is working to save soles, one pair of shoes at a time.

“People need help with a lot of different things in life,” he said. “We found one way to reach out.”

Pierce and his wife, Danita, owners of George’s Shoe Repair, are doing their part to help spur the economy and aid people in finding a job by offering free shoeshines. The couple held their first free sho eshine day  Oct. 17. Even though no one attended, the duo still remains hopeful.

“We are working on getting the word out so people know we are offering a free service,” she said. “We think we will see more people next time.”

George’s Shoe Repair located in Fairfield Shopping Center will offer another free shoeshine day on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to
1 p.m. Customers can bring in a pair of shoes and have them shined that day.

“A bad pair of shoes can really ruin an outfit,” Vincent said. “You want to go to a job interview looking the best you can, from head to toe.”

His wife came up with the idea for the free shoeshine after a listening to a church sermon. The pastor talked to the congregation about helping others with whatever you have available in life.

“I thought about what we had to offer and that’s when I came up with the free shoeshines,” she said. “This is our resource and how we can help.”

The couple has owned George’s Shoe Repair since 1989. The original owner, George Bryant, opened the business in the 1940s. The full service shoe repair shop offers everything from orthopedic work to equestrian shoes and saddles as well as purse repairs and more. Shoe repair costs range from $6 to $250.

“If it’s made of leather, then we work on it,” Vincent said. “We do a little bit of everything.”

Vincent has been doing shoe repair work for 31 years and will tell customers if shoes are worth repairing or if they  need to be replaced.

“We try to run an honest business and help people the best we can,” he said. “You have to do what’s right.”

With a slower economy, the shoe repair business has suffered as well. However, the Pierces haven’t lost faith, and they want to share that hope with others.

“No matter what situation you may find yourself in: Keep the faith and trust God,” Danita Pierce said. “Everything will work out just fine.”

The Pierces are discussing a monthly shoeshine service for those seeking employment. They are also considering hosting a shoe drive and donating the collected shoes to local shelters.

“We will take it one step at a time,” she said. “Who knows where this will lead.”

Staci Dennis, sdennis@cox.net