A program providing students with new shoes for the school year takes place this week. 

The Soles for Christ Shoe Program has been taking in shoe donations from the community for some time and distribution starts Monday. 

AFL-CIO Community Services Executive Director Penny Adams said the program started in 2003 because teachers noticed students starting school without a good pair of shoes. 

“I can remember as a child having new tennis shoes and a new notebook and I was all excited to go back to school,” Adams said. “When you don’t have the basics to start school it’s kind of hard to even want to go back so we hope this will encourage them and lighten their spirits and get them ready to learn again.” 

The program serves children entering preschool up to 12th grade in Andrew and Buchanan Counties in Missouri and Doniphan County in Kansas. This includes public and parochial children.

There are no income guidelines but proof of residency and child’s age are required. Parents or guardians should also bring a pair of socks for the child to try on shoes. 

Last year, Soles for Christ provided shoes for 1,179 children and about 1,200 are expected this year. 

Shoe distribution takes place from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday and from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday at the AFL-CIO Community Services building at 1203 North 6th Street. For more information, call (816) 364-1131.