TAMPA, FL. – If you’ve been to the Offord Exchange in Tampa, you have seen or interacted with Jimmie “Show-Shine-Man” Marshall.
Marshall is a friend to many and a beloved “shoe-shine man” at Oxford Exchange in Tampa, who always asks clients about their life and family.
Sadly, he has had a series of medical and financial setbacks.
Friends say that Marshall also lost his home the past year and has been close to experiencing homelessness.
“He has had a series of medical and financial setbacks due to safety and all our priorities changing due to COVID. Somehow getting your shoes shined doesn’t seem as important. He is also healing from hip replacement surgery, which is expected to restrict his mobility for another 6- to 8-weeks<” said organizers of a GoFundMe page for Marshall.
Organizers say that his longtime clients have raised enough money to cover one month’s rent and have now started a GoFundMe to make sure his rent is paid in the short term as he continues on his path to recovery.
He is actively working on new employment opportunities, as the timing isn’t right to return to shining shoes. A local nonprofit is also helping Jimmie with affordable housing.
“Jimmie for the past 20+ years did not only show up for work but connected with everyone he came into contact with. He wasn’t just shining someone’s shoes or greeting people. He asked about their family, their life, offered encouraging words and if needed would introduce them to someone who could help. Authentic, hardworking, transparent, and caring are often words used to describe Jimmie,” said organizers.
“We have all experienced unparalleled hardships this past year. But many of us have families and a safety net. Jimmie has us!” said the GoFundMe organizer.
“On behalf of Jimmie, thank you. We all need second chances and sometimes a helping hand. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions, or just want to connect,” said Susan Morgan.
To help Jimmie Marshall get back on his feet, you can click here to contribute to the fundraiser.
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