BOB ROLLEY/FOR THE EXPRESS

At its weekly meeting last Thursday, members of the Lock Haven Kiwanis Club had the opportunity to learn about a crucial program in our area, the Lock Haven Area Shoe Bank. Speaker Chair for January, Beth Riccardo, invited Marianne Lotfi, who serves on the non-profit’s board and volunteers each month. The shoe bank is located inside Covenant United Methodist Church in downtown Lock Haven and is open once a month. The following days are slated for 2026, though they are subject to change: Feb. 21; March 21; April 18; May 16; Aug. 15 and Aug. 22; Sept. 19; Oct. 17; Nov. 14 and Nov. 21; Dec. 12. Lotfi told Kiwanis the organization has grown from one small room at the church to taking up two rooms filled with shoes along with donated books. She noted in December, the shoe bank was even able to give out a toy to each child. She thanked Covenant United Methodist Church for allowing them to utilize the space and the many donors who make the program possible. The Shoe Bank serves little ones through high school teens whose families have Compass and live anywhere in Clinton County or the Liberty-Curtin School attendance area. Families who don’t have Compass may be referred by an agency, church or other organization. Pictured here, from left, is Kiwanis President Ben Green, President Elect Laura Jameson, Lotfi, Riccardo and Vice President Wilson Riccardo. The Kiwanis Club meets every Thursday at noon on the third floor of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, 1 N. Henderson St., Lock Haven.