Every student at Berea Elementary School received a new pair of athletic shoes Jan. 24.
Over 500 free pairs of shoes were passed out by volunteers from Southeastern Freight Lines. The trucking company sponsored the event in partnership with Samaritan’s Feet International, a humanitarian aid organization, and Communities in Schools of South Carolina.
“It’s a great opportunity for our students to get some resources they need,” said Thomas Miller, principal at Berea Elementary. “We’re always thankful we can partner with the community for something like this.”
Berea Elementary is classified as a Title 1 school where at least 40% of students are identified as low-income. Emilie Erickson, a domestic programs coordinator for Samaritan’s Feet, said new shoes are an important resource for many families in need.
“Chances are if people can’t put food on the table, they also can’t afford shoes that fit especially with kids since they grow so fast. It adds up,” Erickson said.
The shoes and socks were collected through donations and purchases by Samaritan’s Feet. Forty-five volunteers helped size and select the perfect pair of shoes for the school’s kindergarten through 5th-grade students.
“This is such a special day and we feel so blessed to have the opportunity to uplift these children’s spirits along with bringing smiles to their faces,” said John Couch, director of sales for Southeastern Freight Lines.
