Community

Kids can get free new shoes, boots

LOCK HAVEN -- The Shoe Bank will be open Saturday, Jan. 20. Eligible kids and teens may choose a pair of new shoes, a pair of new boots, new socks and books. Everything is free.

The Lock Haven Area Shoe Bank had to cancel in December because there were not enough volunteers to help the families coming in. All the families who had appointments last month have been offered an appointment Jan. 20.

Appointments are also available to other families who are eligible and whose kids need shoes.

The Shoe Bank is inside Covenant United Methodist Church, 44 W. Main St., Lock Haven, and is generally open one Saturday a month. Appointments are required.

The 2024 dates are Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 16, April 20, May 18, Aug. 17, Aug. 24, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 14. Dates are subject to change.

The rooms are set up like stores where kids are the customers. The free new sneakers or shoes and free new boots are available in all full sizes, as well as many half sizes.

The program serves little ones through high school teens whose families live anywhere in Clinton County or the Liberty-Curtin School attendance area. The family must have an active Compass app or Compass paper. Those who don't may be referred by an agency or organization.

To book your time slot, text or call Diahann at 814-571-5324, any weeknight from 7-9 p.m. You may text or call as late as the morning of Jan. 20.

If you are ill or can't keep your appointment for any reason, please call to reschedule, as we do keep a waiting list.

Funding is provided by the Clinton County Community Foundation, the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation, civic groups, churches and individual donors.

The Shoe Bank is an all-volunteer organization. Anyone interested in lending a hand is welcome to check it out. More volunteers are needed for the Saturdays the Shoe Bank is open and for Thursday afternoon work sessions. The Shoe Bank is also looking for people who might be able to step in at late notice when a regular volunteer is not available.

For more information, reach out to Diahann, text or call Wendy Doherty at 570-295-3443, or find "Lock Haven Shoe Bank" on Facebook.

And, please spread the word to any family you know who might be able to use this service.