Thursday, July 27, 2017
Walter M. Haynes Jr. was many things – he was a Vietnam Veteran, having honorably served in the U.S. Army, a husband, but most importantly, a father. After Walter passed away in July of 2016, his daughter Sarah told a story about how her father always made sure she had a brand-new pair of sneakers for school. When Sarah grew up and took care of her father during his time in nursing care, she ensured that he too had new sneakers every year – a new white pair for summer, and a new black pair for winter. Walter’s family was inspired to create The Walk with Walter Foundation to provide service to those less fortunate in our community, one step (or pair of shoes) at a time.
Today, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chief of Staff Denise Jordan met with the Haynes family, including Justin and Sarah Haynes and Melissa, Ronnie and Cherice Thomas, at the Springfield Rescue Mission as they donated men’s shoes and socks in memory of Walter. Through their donation, men in need will receive one dark pair of shoes, one white pair, and socks.