Donations of shoes and money are being sought for the annual "Soles for Christ" shoe program sponsored by AFL-CIO Community Services.  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.

Churches, organizations, and individuals who want to donate new shoes should bring them to AFL-CIO Community Services, 1203 North 6^th Street, by 3 pm, Friday, August 7,2009. 

Since its inception several years ago at a St Joseph church, the program has distributed 2912 pairs of shoes.  Last year, 581 pairs of shoes were distributed.

The shoe distribution will be Monday, August 10 from 9 am to 1pm or until the supply is exhausted.  If shoes remain, an additional distribution will start the next day, Tuesday, August 11, at 9 am.  Parents or guardians need to bring children with them to the distribution.  They also need to furnish socks for trying on the shoes.

In addition to shoes, we are looking for VOLUNTEERS to help the day of distribution.  We need helpers for completing paperwork with parents, shoe shopping, and crowd controllers.  These jobs will require a person to be on their feet for long periods of time.  Volunteers will be needed from 8am to approximately 2pm on Monday and Tuesday, August 11 and 12.  If you would like to volunteer any time during those hours, please contact our office.