PHOTO PROVIDED Sandy Gerlach and Corie McCall of the Sunshine Club at Beech Creek Wesleyan Church hold some of the new books the club donated to the Shoe Bank, along with new pairs of socks for the kids and teens. Each month the club chooses a different nonprofit organization to help.

LOCK HAVEN — Thanks to the Sunshine Club of Beech Creek Wesleyan Church, the Shoe Bank is well stocked with new socks and new books to give.

Eligible kids and teens through age 17 (or older if in high school) can visit the Shoe Bank and choose socks, books and especially a pair of free, new, good quality sneakers or shoes for the first day of school.

The Shoe Bank will also give back-to-school gifts including crayons, highlighters, notebooks and more. A few backpacks are also available.

Everything is free!

The Shoe Bank is inside Covenant United Methodist Church, 44-46 W. Main St., Lock Haven. Families may visit on Saturday, Aug. 16, or on Saturday, Aug. 23. Appointments are required.

Families are eligible if they live in Clinton County or the Liberty-Curtin Elementary School attendance area and have an active Compass app or paper. Families also may be referred by an agency or organization.

To book your appointment, text Diahann at 814-571-5324, any weeknight from 7-9 p.m. You may ask for an appointment as late as the morning that the Shoe Bank is open. However, August is a popular month, so it’s best to book now.

If you find you can’t keep your appointment, please call or text to reschedule, even if you have to call the morning of your appointment — they do keep a waiting list.

You may not need this service yourself but may know a family who does. Please spread the word.

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

The Shoe Bank is an all-volunteer organization. Helping hands and volunteers are especially needed this month. Anyone interested is more than welcome to check out this volunteer opportunity. For more information, contact Diahann or find “Lock Haven Shoe Bank” on Facebook.