The AFL-CIO Community Services Agency is starting to collect shoes for the Soles for Christ program.

The program provides area students in need from preschool through 12th grade with a new pair of shoes for school. AFL-CIO Executive Director Penny Adams said they serve students in Andrew and Buchanan Counties in Missouri and Doniphan County in Kansas.

“The idea is to build a child’s self-esteem and enthusiasm for the coming school year,” Adams said. “I know school just got out, but we get around and start this program about now and the distribution will be in August.”

Adams said the goal this year is to collect 1,500 pairs of new tennis shoes.

Donations can be dropped at the agency at 1203 North 6th Street by August 1st. The shoe distribution will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, August 6, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 7.

For more information about donating contact the AFL-CIO at (816) 364-1131.