Countdown-Operation 252: Our 6th Annual New Shoe Giveaway

This is a community movement to ensure children in Wilson County and beyond start the school year with confidence, dignity, and a brand-new pair of shoes. Since its start in my hometown of Wilson and expansion into Raleigh, Operation 252 has given away over 1,500 pairs of new shoes to local children, helping them step into the classroom ready to learn and succeed.

This year, we’re aiming to make our biggest impact yet -- hundreds of children served in a single day. Every child who attends will receive a free, brand-new pair of shoes thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, and supporters like you.

Operation 252 was born from a desire to honor the legacy of those who came before me:  family, educators, and community leaders; who showed me what it means to serve. This work is deeply personal and driven by my belief that small acts of kindness can change a child’s life.

You can help make this year’s giveaway our most successful yet:

• Donate – Every contribution helps us reach more children
• GoFundMe:   www.gofundme.com/f/support-alec-virgils-operation-252-for-kids
• Cashapp:  $wiseguy5000, 
• PayPal:  virgil.alec@gmail.com)
• Spread the Word – Share Operation 252 with your friends, family, and community.

➡️ Purchase a New Pair of Shoes

Together, we can give our kids more than just shoes -- we can give them the confidence to walk boldly into their future!

Your continued support fuels our mission to make a difference in the lives of children and families in need. Here’s how you can stay involved:

• Volunteer at future events.
• Donate to ensure we can reach even more families.
• Spread the Word about Operation 252 on social media using the hashtag #Operation252.

For more details, visit this page.

Thanks to our phenomenal supporters—including members of the Divine 9, family, and friends from North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, and beyond—we achieved something truly remarkable this year:

• Every child who attended received a brand-new pair of shoes and socks, ensuring they stepped into the holiday season with confidence and comfort.
• Additionally, we extended the joy by providing an extra pair of shoes for parents, spreading warmth and happiness to entire families.

Together, we delivered not just shoes but hope and kindness, making this holiday season unforgettable for so many in need.

We couldn’t have done it without the amazing partnerships from organizations, local businesses, and individuals who believe in our cause. Special thanks to the Mt. Zion OFWB Church, Fike High School, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Wilson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and Omicron Iota Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Soroities, Inc., Willie Earl’s Catering, and families honoring the legacy of Detective Reggie Smith for their invaluable contributions.