More than a dozen NNSS team members came together in support of Walk a Mile in My Shoes Oct. 12 to benefit the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, which provides critical programs and services for low-income and homeless members of the community and culminates in a special walk at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas.
This year’s response was an organization-wide effort. NNSS Outreach & Engagement and Health & Productivity donated $2,500 for the event, now in its 13th year, with an additional $75 contributed by TEAM for each of the employee walkers. The African American and Women’s Employee Resource Groups coordinated 300 individual snacks and multiple departments assisted with event preparation logistics.
NNSS Human Resources Specialist Debbie Waggener led this year’s effort as the NNSS team captain, and the paramount work to help end homelessness is near and dear to her heart. For more than two decades, Waggener has organized food kits, hygiene bags and shoe donations for rescue missions and shelters throughout her home of Los Angeles. She is the founder of the One So(u)le at a Time initiative, collecting new and gently worn shoes to distribute to those in need. Her dedication to continue the effort remains steadfast since moving to Las Vegas two years ago.
“Once you start volunteering, it’s something that is contagious and shows how blessed you are,” said Waggener. “It’s a personal blessing of fulfillment to be part of something bigger than yourself and really walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.”
To align with Walk a Mile in My Shoes, Waggener placed shoe donation boxes throughout NNSS locations, receiving a tremendous response from NNSS donors that will go on to assist dozens of homeless individuals throughout Las Vegas. Coming together to inspire change is all part of Waggener’s mantra.
“Each one – help one,” she said. “No matter what it is, go beyond what you would normally do and give — be a part of the solution.”
Find more about our commitment to community outreach at https://nnss.gov/community/nnss-outreach/.
