Magically, Santa made a very special appearance at Calvary Lutheran Church on Nov. 12. The Rotary Club of Clarkston held its “Shoes for Kids” program benefiting Clarkston school children.
This year, 400 children were invited to receive new shoes, winter boots, hats, and gloves from the Rotary Club. Each child showed their enthusiasm when picking out a certain style, color or character shoe. Volunteers will attest to seeing the smiles and laughter all day long.
Local service groups participating included the Clarkston Optimist Club’s Opti-Socks program, the Clarkston Area Lions Club KidSight free eye exams, and Calvary Lutheran and the Clarkston Community Schools providing health and body products. The Clarkston Independence District Library provided books for the family. Local dentists also donated dental hygiene products.
The Rotary Club of Clarkston has sold a Goodfellow-type newspaper in Clarkston since its chartering in 1940. For the past 44 years, donations have been earmarked specifically for “Shoes for Kids.” Over the past 24 years, over 11,500 have benefited from the support and donations provided by people who make Clarkston a place where people want to live.
A special thank you to Calvary Lutheran Church, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Melvin and Alanis Hawley, Bill Bertakis Photography, Patti Engineering, and Spenser Real Estate. Also, to the Clarkston businesses and individuals working behind the scenes who make this possible every year, especially to the over 300 volunteers whose efforts and time made “Shoes for Kids” a reality again this year.
Finally, to my wife, Mindy, who continually puts up with the craziness that often fills our house. Or perhaps it’s because it often looks like a shoe warehouse.
Thank you, Clarkston, for making 2022 Shoes for Kids another successful year!
Interested in participating or learning more about the Rotary Club of Clarkston? Visit clarkstonrotary.org or email joeldelong@aol.com.
Joel & Mindy DeLong/Rotary Club