For 26 years, the adult Sunday school classes of the First Presbyterian Church in Rockingham, have hosted a fund drive to provide school children, in grades K-5, with new shoes. This year will be no different. About 800 pairs of shoes will be distributed to less fortunate children.
Often, the neediest among us are children. Unable to fend for themselves, they rely solely on caretakers to provide them with adequate food, shelter and clothing — but sometimes this isn’t enough.
The children are identified by their teachers and counselors and receive a certificate for a new pair of shoes which they may select at JCPenney or The Shoe Dept. in Rockingham.
“They wear them right out of the store,” said church member Bob McLester.
“Each pair costs an average of about $35. A small price to pay to ensure that a child will have adequate footwear for another year … Here in Richmond County there’s such a real need with so many families below the poverty level,” McLester said.
“Kids outgrow their shoes so fast,” said Bonnilee Rhodes, Cordova principal and coordinator for participating schools. “Sometimes parents just have a hard time keeping up with buying new shoes. Especially if there’s more than one child in the house.”
Just as in past years, the church has sponsored the campaign and embraced all administrative costs. All contributions are tax deductible and all money contributed goes to purchasing costs.
— Staff Writer Cassidy Odom can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 16, or by email at codom@heartlandpublications.com.
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