AFL-CIO Community Services is once again asking for your donations to its Soles for Christ Shoe Program.

The goal of the program is to provide a new pair of shoes for each child to start school in and, in turn, boost the child’s self-esteem and enthusiasm for the coming school year. Any school age child in need is eligible.

The group invites you to participate in this program by donating new shoes to be given away to those children in need. When purchasing your donations please keep in mind that athletic (tennis) shoes are best, as some schools do not allow flip-flop or slip-on styles. Toddler’s size 5 to 10, youth sizes 11 to 6 and all adult sizes are recommended (no infant sizes please).

You are welcome to drop off your donations at the agency, 1203 North 6th Street. Hours for drop off are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. If possible, we are asking that donations arrive no later than Wednesday, August 3 so we can get a good count on the number of shoes that will be available. We are hoping to reach 1,500 donated shoes.

Since its inception in 2003, the program has distributed over 10,295 pairs of shoes. Last year, 1,179 pairs of shoes with a value of $29,475 were distributed.

The shoe distribution will be Monday, August 8 from 8 am to 4 pm and Tuesday, August 9, 8 am to 6 pm. There is no pre-registration needed. Parents or guardians need to bring children with them to the distribution. They also need to furnish socks for trying on the shoes.

The program will serve children entering preschool through 12th grade in Andrew and Buchanan Counties in Missouri and Doniphan County in Kansas. This includes public and parochial children. Parents or guardians need to bring their child(ren) with them to the distribution. Parents will be required to show proof of residency and the child’s age. Preschoolers must have proof of enrollment in a preschool.

For other questions, please contact AFL-CIO Community Services Agency, 364-1131.

(News Release)