Inheriting your older siblings’ sweaters and jackets is one thing, but hand-me-down shoes?
Those aren’t necessarily a good fit.
When money is tight, dropping $50 on a new pair of boots is far down the list of necessities, so many kids wear shoes that are too small or are falling apart.
For the last three years, the Sons of the American Legion have donated more than 300 pairs of brand new shoes to Orcas Island children.
George Spees, financial officer for the organization, started the project after speaking with a close friend who grew up wearing her siblings’ clothing.
“She is involved in charity work in Whatcom County, and donates new shoes to kids,” Spees said. “She is referred to as the ‘shoe lady.’ Growing up, most of her clothes were hand-me downs, and she told me, ‘you can’t really use hand-me-down shoes.’ She would wear her brothers’ old leather shoes to school.”
His friend’s story stuck with him, and Spees decided to help his own community’s children receive brand new footwear, especially at the start of each school year.
Spees contacted Amber Paulsen, director of Kaleidoscope, who loved the idea. For the last three years she and Erin O’Dell, director of Orcas Family Connections, have worked together to compile a list for Spees.
“When we do the program in the fall, for some of those kids, going to school with a new pair of shoes is more than just a comfort. It’s a boost to their self confidence,” Paulsen said. “That’s the best part for me. We’re not just providing a necessity. They can start school with brand new shoes like the rest of the kids.”
The Sons raise money through dinners at the legion and a donation box for the “Shoes for Kids” program.
“We’ve netted quite a bit of money that way,” Spees said. “A dollar here and a dollar there adds up.”
Since the inception of the program, the Sons have donated 315 pairs of shoes to Orcas kids, predominately pre-schoolers and elementary students. The most recent delivery was in August, when they gave 83 pairs.
“It is totally anonymous,” Spees said. “They just tell us how many, what sizes, and for what gender. We don’t know the names of the kids. We don’t care who they are, as long as they are needy.”
Spees contacts Payless Shoes in Burlington, and arranges to purchase shoes during its “buy one, get the second pair half off” sale. He also asks for an additional discount.
“The shoes get more expensive every year,” Spees said. “But we’re dedicated to doing it. I don’t see it’s going to come to an end any time soon. Many of the recipients count on this. I’ve seen kids in Kaleidoscope who have toes sticking out of their shoes.”
Because Paulsen and O’Dell know all of the recipients, they can match children with shoes that are their own style.
“That’s an advantage of having the program be so close to home,” Paulsen said.
Sidebar:
About the sons of the American Legion Post 93
The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion.
The Orcas branch was created eight years ago. In addition to the kids shoes project, the Sons support veteran groups and local veterans who are in need of assistance.
The SAL is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States military and became eligible for membership in The American Legion.
To donate to the Shoes for Kids program, call George Spees at 376-4084.
