Soles for Christ: Providing new shoes and new confidence for local students
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- For more than two decades, the Soles for Christ program has helped thousands of children in Northwest Missouri start the school year on the right foot.
The program provides a brand-new pair of tennis shoes to students in kindergarten through 12th grade who live in Buchanan, Andrew, Dekalb, and Clinton counties in Missouri, and Doniphan County, Kansas. The goal is simple but powerful:
- Boost children’s self-esteem and enthusiasm for the school year ahead.
- Provide families with some financial relief during the costly back-to-school season.
Unlike many assistance programs, Soles for Christ services are not based on income. Any child meeting the residency and grade requirements is eligible.
There’s no pre-registration; families simply attend the distribution event in mid-August.
This year, the dates for distribution are: Monday, Aug. 11, and Tuesday, Aug. 12. Both distribution days will run from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The shoe pick-up location will be 515 N 6th St.
To receive shoes:
- Parents must bring all children who need shoes to the distribution
- Only one adult will be allowed at the fitting station; other adults can wait by the exit area
- One document proving residency:
- Utility bill
- Rent/Mortgage receipt
- Lease/Mortgage contract
- One form of ID for each child to verify age:
- School ID
- Report card
- Birth certificates
- Other legal documents proving the child's birth date/age
- Preschoolers must have proof of enrollment in a preschool and be at least four years old
“You know this is one of our favorite programs because we have kids who they’re just so excited about getting the shoes,” said Nichi Seckinger, Executive Director of AFL-CIO Community Services, “Their appreciation is all over their face when they get the shoes they really like. And it’s great because their excitement is contagious.”
How to Get Involved
Volunteer registration for Soles for Christ is now online. To sign up, visit: aflciocommunityservices.ivolunteer.com/solesforchrist.
Volunteers are needed for the following dates:
- Friday, Aug. 8 – Set-up (1–5 p.m.)
- Monday, Aug. 11 – Distribution Day 1 (8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.)
- Tuesday, Aug. 12 – Distribution Day 2 (8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.)
- Wednesday, Aug. 13 – Tear-down (1–5 p.m.)
Tasks include loading/unloading shoes, organizing tables, registering families, fitting children, and more. Volunteers must be 18 or older for distribution days and are encouraged to sign up for at least two shifts.
If you would like to donate shoes, you can drop them off at AFL-CIO Community Services at 1203 N 6th Street St. Joseph, MO, 64501, or some local churches will be collecting them. The last day to drop off shoes is August 7th.
T-shirts are also available for purchase for $20–$24 with an order deadline of July 21st.
For questions, contact Ashley Luthans at ashley.luthans@helpmenow.org or 816-364-1131.
This program began in August 2003, when a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church learned of a similar effort at another parish and recognized a need in St. Joseph. That first year, 210 pairs of shoes were distributed. Since then, the program has grown tremendously. To date, 18,832 pairs of shoes have been given to local children, representing more than $481,000 worth of support for families.
What started as a small parish effort has become a community-wide mission of compassion. Each pair of shoes represents more than just footwear, it’s a step toward confidence, dignity, and success in the classroom.
News-Press NOW will update this story.
