JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Jacksonville man who gave his own shoes away to a stranger in need said he did so to spread positivity in his community.
Braxton Stockton posted his story on Facebook Monday evening. Stockton said a young man, possibly a teen, called the Hibbett Sports on Edgewood Avenue North to ask a very specific question.
“Asking us did we have any shoes in store that were $30 in a size 9.5 or 10,” Stockton said. Stockton checked the inventory but could not find shoes in that price and size. But he had another idea.
“[I called my mother and asked] if she could go in my closet and find two pairs of shoes that I haven’t really worn like that and bring them to me,” Stockton said. He told the young man to come to the store.
Stockton gave the young man two pairs of his own shoes, which would normally retail nearly $200 total.
“It was like he was given gold,” Stockton said. “It was priceless.”
“I haven’t always had everything I wanted or everything I needed, should I say,” he continued. “So I just felt as if me giving back, it will inspire others to do the same.”
That’s why Stockton posted his story on Facebook; he wanted to inspire people in a neighborhood where crime is all too common.
When First Coast News arrived at the Westside shoe store to interview Stockton Tuesday, JSO was on scene and crime scene tape roped off the store’s entrance. On officer on scene told First Coast News a man claiming to have a gun stole some shoes.
“It’s a lot of negative over here,” Stockton said. “And I just want to uplift other and bring that positive energy back into the community.”
Stockton said he didn’t get the name or number for the young man who got his shoes. First Coast News would love to reunite the two. If you know who the young man is, please email news@firstcoastnews.com.