Community

It’s boot season! Shoe Bank has free new boots for eligible kids, teens

LOCK HAVEN -- Are your kids going to need new boots this winter? Kids and teens from eligible families can get free new, good-quality boots this month at Lock Haven Area Shoe Ba

The Shoe Bank is located inside Covenant United Methodist Church, 44 West Main St. Little ones through high school teens can choose a free new pair of shoes and -- starting Saturday -- a pair of new boots too. Their visit includes new socks, books, winter hats, other warm accessories, and a sweet treat.

Everything is free.

Families are eligible if they have Compass and live in Clinton County or the Llberty-Curtin Elementary School attendance area. If you don't have Compass, you can still come to the Shoe Bank if you're referred by an agency, church, club or other organization.

Boots will be available on two Saturdays this month.

The first Saturday is a “Just Boots Day", on Nov.14. The Boot Room will be open, but the Shoe Room won't. This is a boot day for families who've received shoes in August, September or October and aren’t scheduled to return for new shoes yet.

The next Saturday is Nov. 21, and both shoes and boots will be available. This date is open to all other eligible families, including those who haven't ever visited before.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it this month. The Boot Room is restocked regularly, and good-quality boots will be available throughout the season. New pairs are already on hand and waiting to get on the shelves, with more coming soon.

Appointments are required and are scheduled between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. To book your time slot, contact Diahann at 1-814-571-5324, any weeknight from 7:00-9:00 p.m. You may even text or call her the morning of Nov. 14 or Nov. 21, since sometimes there are last-minute openings.

If you are ill or can’t keep your appointment for any other reason, please call to reschedule. 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 come and check things out. Volunteers are needed for Shoe Bank Saturdays and for the work sessions held every Thursday afternoon. The Shoe Bank is also looking for people who might be able to step in when a regular volunteer is not available.

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

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