Rotary Shoe Fund to Provide Shoes for 575

"The difference between a helping hand and an outstretched palm is a twist of the wrist."
-Laurence Leamer, “King of the Night”

Close to $3,000 was received this week from local donors for the 2012 Shoe Fund, a project of the Rotary Club of Scott County.

Each year since 1989, the organization has purchased a new pair of shoes and three pairs of socks for deserving youngsters enrolled in Scott County Public Schools.

In that initial year, members of the club sought donations from within the club and were able to assist 29 children. The following year, Rotary decided to open up the campaign so they could help more students.

Since 1989, the Rotary Club of Scott County has provided shoes and socks for more than 12,000 students.

“We know times are difficult for so many and we are thankful for those who have given whatever they can afford,” said Chris Kimbler, chairman of the 2012 Shoe Fund. “The Shoe Fund has been so successful since its inception due to the generosity of our local community.”

Later this week, Rotary members will pick up their early Christmas gifts and deliver them to recipients at each school. Rotary District 7570 Governor Woody Sadler will be hand during the event, which begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning at Addington Oil in Weber City.

Students at all Scott County schools including Head Start are included in the program.

For the past several years, the Rotary Club of Scott County has partnered with Payless Shoes in Kingsport, Tenn. The discount shoe retailer allows the club to purchase shoes and socks in bulk at a discounted price.

The 2012 goal is set at $16,500 and donations to-date total $13,738.23 including $2,688 received this week.

Making contributions this week were Tommy and Tammy Herron , Cameron United Methodist Church, Johnnie and Darenda Musick, Edith Cox and Patricia Kestner – in honor Of Chris Kimbler, Kenny and June Fannon, Bo and Kendra Taylor, James and Rhonda Bausell, Anna Belle Tittsworth, Mr. and Mrs. Matt Clabaugh, Jim and Kay Addington, Dr. and Mrs. Gary Michael, Smith Chapel United Methodist Church, Chris and Allison Kimbler, Moccasin Gap NAPA employees, Retha Darnell, Dennis and Alice Fritz, Scott County Homemakers Club, Jean Rose, Joe and Cindy Coates, Tim and Sue Ella Wells, Bob and Phyllis Parks, Roger and Earline Lane, James and Nancy Riddle, James and Shirley Stapleton, Dewey and Louise Breeding, Anson and Brenda Minton and six anonymous donors.

Other members of Rotary Club’s Shoe Fund Committee include Leslie Gillenwater, Bob McConnell, Len Smith, Harold Willis and Jim Addington.

Scott County school personnel identify and refer youngsters to the program.

All donations are tax-deductible as the Rotary Club of Scott County is recognized as a 501c3 organization under the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service.

Checks should be made payable to the Children’s Shoe Fund, c/o Rotary Club of Scott County and mailed to P.O. Box 728, Gate City, Va. 24251-0728.

The name of all contributors will be published along with a total of the donations in the Scott County Virginia Star.