Rotarians provide shoes for 425 students

News Herald Photo by Kathryn Martinez Out with the old and in with the new, a Rotarian fits a Kilgore boy with a new pair of shoes for school. "A new pair of shoes is a confidencebuilder at the beginning of the school year," K Castles, of Kilgore Rotary, said. "We want children to feel good about themselves and have a good pair of shoes on their feet."

Kilgore Rotary Club bought and distributed 425 pairs of shoes yesterday.

More than 30 Rotarians, friends and family members as well as seven Kilgore College international students were on hand to help youngsters select and try on shoes.

"The students were great with the kids," Castles said.

According to Castles, Kilgore Rotary is extremely happy with yesterday's turn-out and the assistance the organization has received in preparation for the event.

"Brenda Kennedy at Wal-Mart helped us a lot when we were in the store trying to buy 425 pairs of shoes," Castles said. "Without the help at Wal-Mart and First Baptist Church letting us use the facility this would have been a more difficult task."

Kilgore Rotary funded the event through a Rotary International simplified match grant.

"We have done this in the past to do other projects like park benches and the children's Christmas store," Castles said. "Rotary International based the grant on past donations from Kilgore Rotary."

According to Castles, the funds may only be spent on projects that benefit a broad section of the community and the event must be different each year when grant funds are used.

Some families that were not able to pick up shoes yesterday will have a second chance to pick up their shoes through Presbyterian Childrens' Homes and Services.