Shoes That Fit

“The God-Ladies Gave Them To Me!”              

Second Grade Student, St. Anthony School, Oakland, CA

 
            That’s how a little second-grade girl at St. Anthony School in East Oakland described where she had just gotten her first-ever new pair of shoes.  To her, the shoes were from “The God-Ladies;” we all know them, of course, as generous St. Monica Shoes That Fit supporters.
 
            Welcome back, St. Monica parishioners!  Can you believe it--this year marks our parish’s 18th year for the Shoes That Fit tradition!  It’s the easiest, most gratifying way you’ll ever find for providing seriously poor elementary school children with shoes, uniforms and other basic articles of school clothing.  Over the years we’ve received much feedback from St. Anthony teachers, staff and parents themselves—about the surprise, delight and positive emotional impact on these deeply underserved children of a new pair of shoes or other new item of clothing from a complete stranger!  Eighty-five percent of these families are living below the minimum poverty level.  They are struggling, and we’re one of their primary lifelines.
 
            The Shoes That Fit program works the same way each year.  Starting the weekend of September 24 & 25, won’t you please make a brief stop at one of the bulletin boards located in both vestibules of Church?  Pinned to these boards will be yellow index cards with the first names and clothing needs of girls and boys at St. Anthony School in East Oakland.  (Their principal and teachers tell us which children need our help, and what items and sizes.) 
 
            Simply select a card, sign your name on the clipboard, purchase the item listed on the card — most items can be purchased by phone with a credit card and shipped directly to your home—and return it to the Shoes That Fit box in either of two locations:  just inside the front door at the Rectory, or in the Peace Center just inside the parking lot entrance.  Feel free to drop your items off on Sunday or anytime during the week.  Shoes That Fit volunteers make deliveries to the school weekly.   It doesn’t take much—Shoes That Fit is an easy, unusually personal way to engage the whole family in a meaningful act of kindness.   And, there’s a gift on the bulletin boards for every budget—guaranteed!
 
            Lastly, Shoes The Fit always welcomes new volunteers—please inquire if you’re even mildly interested.  It’s a great way for parishioners to meet new people, and I think our Committee of 15 would agree that this program offers a rare, emotionally rich opportunity to play a hands-on role doing the work Christ has asked us to do. 
 
            Most of all, thank you, thank you St. Monica parishioners for your continued support, and may God bless you for your extraordinary generosity! 
                                                     
Kathi Balousek (376-8934)

Shoes That Fit Coordinator