Muncie Mission Ministries hosts 22nd-annual 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' event

The annual community event raised over $185,000, increasing awareness of unhoused populations in Muncie.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Muncie Mission Ministries hosted its 22nd-annual 'Walk a Mile in my Shoes' event in the city on February 21. Thousands of people gathered for the organization's largest fundraising event of the year to 'brave the cold and bring hope to the hungry, the homeless, and those broken by addiction.' The walk started in front of the Muncie Field House and ended at the Muncie Mission Ministries building, where participants were greeted with music, snacks and community.

Why it matters

The Muncie Mission has a long history of serving the local community, dating back to the Great Depression when it opened a soup kitchen. The annual walk raises awareness and funds to provide resources such as medical care and free meals to those in need in Muncie.

The details

Participants walked through the heart of downtown Muncie, taking a route from the Muncie Field House to the Muncie Mission Ministries building. The organization set a fundraising goal of $175,000 this year and exceeded it, raising just over $185,000 to support its efforts.

  • The 22nd-annual 'Walk a Mile in my Shoes' event was held on February 21, 2026.
  • The Muncie Mission opened a soup kitchen in 1930 during the Great Depression.

The players

Muncie Mission Ministries

A local organization that has been serving the Muncie community for nearly a century, providing resources such as meals, medical care, and support to those in need.

Rev. Eddie Thomas

The founder of Muncie Mission, who opened a soup kitchen in 1930 to serve hot meals and share messages about 'God's redeeming love.'

Leigh Edwards

The Vice President of Community Engagement at Muncie Mission Ministries, who explained the reasoning behind hosting the annual walk in February.

Mary Ippel

A long-time participant and volunteer with Muncie Mission, who has been volunteering with the organization every Monday for the last 16 years.

Frank Baldwin

The Chief Executive Officer of Muncie Ministries.

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What they’re saying

“We want everyone in our community to take a minute and think about who we walk for. Those [who] maybe don't have shelter tonight, or don't have a roof over their head. That is why we walk in February.”

— Leigh Edwards, Vice President of Community Engagement (ballstatedailynews.com)

“It's not just caring for the soul, but caring for your body and the physical aspects of people in need.”

— Mary Ippel, Long-time participant and volunteer (ballstatedailynews.com)

The takeaway

The Muncie Mission's annual 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' event demonstrates the organization's long-standing commitment to serving the local community and raising awareness about homelessness and the need to provide resources and support to those in need. The event's success in exceeding its fundraising goal highlights the community's engagement and willingness to support the organization's vital work.