PEA RIDGE — What began as a Christmas-time shoe drive is now a year-round effort to provide proper shoes for students in need. Last school year, Pea Ridge Schools purchased over 130 pairs of shoes and socks for students in the district.
The Heart and Sole Shoe Drive, spearheaded by Pea Ridge High School counselor Randi Jo Kelso, began in 2008 at the then elementary school as a one-time charity drive. This year, it has become district-wide and ongoing throughout the year.
“There’s a continuous need ... We got money donated, people gave private donations and we got some Wal-Mart donations, basically whoever wanted to help - shoes are expensive,” Kelso said.
“We are trying to fill the need here at school for kids that may not have access to getting shoes or shoes that fit,” said school nurse Val Colburn.
Kelso said through the program, they have purchased shoes from Shoe Carnival, Wal-Mart and Rack Room Shoes. The shoes go to students of any age that are in need, she said. They are usually referred by teachers or nurses.
“There are kids you see walking down the hall withsoles off their shoe or the shoes are too little, you can tell when a child needs a pair of shoes,” Kelso said.
Kelso said they would like to have shoes readily available in all sizes at every campus for when they are needed. She already had to buy one pair this school year, and was going out that afternoon to get two more.
Tennis shoes are best, said Colburn, they are easier to fit than other shoes.
Socks are also needed.
To donate new or gently used shoes and socks, or to make a monetary donation, contact any of the school counselors or nurses. For more information, call Kelso at 451-8182.
School, Pages 10 on 09/08/2010