The sidewalk outside Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church in downtown Richmond was crowded with people waiting to get free children's shoes on Monday morning.

This is the second year Third Street Bethel on 614 N. Third St. offered the shoes.

Last year's event was so successful, said Rev. Daryl Kearney, they asked other churches in the community to help. Centenary United Methodist Church and Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church contributed volunteers and shoes.

Last year, Rev. Kearney said they gave away more than 800 pairs of shoes. This year, they had about 1200 pairs when they started giving them away at 9 a.m.

"When the economy is down in society," Kearney said, "the economy in God's society should go up." Jannie Lomax from Richmond had been waiting since 7 a.m. She brought her three children, Jannel, Javon and Keonne. "Anything nice would be appreciated," Lomax said, "but we're not choosy."