Megan Melba wanted to give back to the community she loves but like many others couldn’t find contacts to organizations that need help most. But, that all changed when Melba, 29, a lifetime resident of Delray Beach, was introduced to Tanise Fox, assistant director of the Achievement Centers for Children & Families at 555 NW Fifth St.
“I decided I wanted to focus on the children. I decided when they go back to school they’d have new shoes,” Melba said.
She contacted Fox, and Fox took the shoe measurements of 100 boys and girls at the center.
“I measured everyone of these feet,” Fox laughs as she points out to the center’s smiling children.
Melba had her plan, but she needed a way to raise money. Her longtime friend Amy Lang, 29, had contacted her on Facebook, a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. Lang had noticed Melba’s future endeavor and wanted in.
“I wanted to give back… do something good… We’re old friends and this brought us back together while we help others. It’s like God reunited us,” Lang said.
Melba’s goal was to raise $2,500. She went up and down Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach asking merchants to sponsor an upcoming event yet to be planned. Melba planned a ladies night on Dec. 17 at Hurricane Bar and Lounge, 640 E. Atlantic Ave.
“We ended up raising $1,265 in one night,” Melba said.
Melba and Lang delivered the shoes on Dec. 23.

Amy Lang (left) and Megan Melba take a minute off from unloading to pose for a quick photo.

Lang and Melba pull out the receipt.