Last night, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) gathered with local leaders in Oswego City Hall, to bless shoes collected throughout the area to give to those in need. Millard “Mudd” Murphy, former mayor of Central Square, led the “Tithe My Shoes” effort in partnership with SUNY Oswego, Oswego County towns and cities, and Ralph Rotello, owner of Discount Shoe Repair shop in Syracuse, who collects new and gently used footwear for the Rescue Mission every year. Murphy made it an annual tradition to bless the shoes the drive collects. Jim Tschudy, former Pastor at the Pulaski Congregational Church, performed the blessing, making a special point to pray for those who donated shoes and those who would be wearing them. 

    Pictured left to right: Leader Barclay, Provost Scott Furlong representing SUNY Oswego, Linda and Mudd Murphy, Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow and Pastor Jim Tschudy.