Shoe collection benefits local youngsters

A project for a psychology course at Northwest Missouri State University has grown into a local cause.

Students in Alisha Francis' class were asked to pick a fundraiser and work to gather donations.

Most of the students chose to work for organizations that take monetary donations, but psychology major Jodie Evans and her group decided to give something more tangible. They also wanted to keep the donations local.

"We wanted to do something that would help kids," Evans said, "Something that could really help local children instead of just raising money."

That is how Kicks for Kids began.

The program is looking for donations of new and gently used athletic shoes, preferably in children's sizes. The goal is to make sure area children have adequate footwear for the upcoming winter.

Donation bins have been placed at various locations around town, including campus residence halls, The Station (also on campus), Beach Tanning, Laura Street Baptist Church, Eugene Field Elementary School and The Daily Forum.

The shoes will be given to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nodaway County for distribution.

Bins will be in place until Nov. 8 when the collection will end.

"I think these events are really important," Evans said. "It helps your sense of self. It is a good opportunity to build character and give back to the community at the same time."

The group's goal is to gather at least 35 pairs of shoes, a total Evans said she would be happy to exceed.