Knox County Rotary Club Collecting Shoes For Orphans

Edina, Missouri – A simple pair of children’s shoes may not look powerful, but they can make a big difference in the lives of vulnerable children and orphans around the world.

Knox County Rotary is teaming up with Buckner International to ask residents to collect new shoes for children in need. The annual nationwide Shoes for Orphan Souls shoe drive is seeking to collect more than 250,000 pairs of new shoes and socks in 2014. Since 1999, Buckner has sent more than 2.6 million pairs of new shoes to vulnerable children in 76 countries around the globe, including the United States.

“We hope that with the support of area businesses, churches and organizations we can help make life better for children,” said Knox County Rotary Club President Rick Winter. “Locally we are trying to collect 350 pairs of new shoes and socks. People who would like to help and donate can bring new shoes to Citizens Bank of Edina, C&R Market in Edina and The Edina Sentinel Office. We will be collecting shoes until the end of the month.”

“We have seen the smiles that a new pair of shoes brings to children in the orphanages we visit, and we want to extend that same joy to others like them,” said Ashley Williamson, manager of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls. “Because of the Knox County Rotary Club’s commitment to this program, we can continue to increase the number of children who will benefit from a pair of new shoes and socks.”

Donated items should be for children and teens, and due to customs regulations, shoes and socks need to be brand new. The greatest need is for new athletic shoes, sizes Youth 4-Adult 9. Those who would like to donate monetarily can learn more by contacting any Knox County Rotary Club member.