Santa Claus was the special guest of Collinsville Charities for Children this morning as over 200 pairs of new shoes were distributed to Collinsville kids.
Select elementary school students were brought to Jack Schmitt Ford on Vandalia to receive a new pair of shoes from Collinsville Charities for Children. Volunteers from the organization, Unit 10, Jack Schmitt and local Shriners fitted the children.
Collinsville Charities for Children raised $4,000 at a golf fundraiser held in September. The money was used to purchase shoes from the Payless ShoeSource in Glen Carbon. The 2016 golf event will be held May 21.
The annual event started around 30 years ago. The Collinsville Optimist Club continued the tradition, and upon its dissolution, Collinsville Charities for Children was formed.
President Grant Koentz said it is important that the children get a choice of shoes from which to choose. Each child was measured, fitted with the shoes of his/her choice and given a package of new socks. If sizes ran out or were unavailable, Koentz promised to deliver the right shoes to the child’s school.
Everybody got a personal visit with Santa before heading back to school. Many left wearing their new shoes, and everyone left with a smile:)