KILLEEN, Texas — After an eventful day at Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors in Killeen, people in the community donated almost 300 shoes to kids in need in the 'Shoes for Kids' drive.
6 News is partnering up with Communities In Schools (CIS) of Greater Central Texas to ensure kids will not have the stress of worrying about where their next pair of shoes will come from.
The drive began Nov. 15 and will end after Dec. 15. The 6 News team and the CIS hosted a one-day drive Wednesday, Nov. 20 to spread the word about the importance of the event.
CIS has hosted this shoe drive for 17 years. Their executive director Michael Dewees told 6 News there's been a greater need for children's shoes as they've continued this drive.
"We serve over 6.000 kids in our area," Dewees explained. "A lot of them will have self-esteem issues and the focus goes to the shoes because they're worried about appearance. That takes away from focusing on school."
Dewees added that the nearly 300 shoes collected at the one-day drive was more than what was collected all of last year's drive.
"We're so appreciative," Dewees said. "The Fort Hood Area Realtors Association is helping us as well and that is community support. We are a nonprofit organization and we could not do this without the help of the community."
Dozens of people drove to the drop-off location and shared their reasoning behind donating.
"I saw the story with a little girl, she had some shoes donated to her but she didn't want to take them because her sister didn't have any shoes so that just broke my heart," Gabby Saenz explained.
For another person who donated, he said it's the community's job to step in when families need help.
"I feel like it's very important for our community because times are tough and people need help and that's what we're here for," Ray Lomas added.
The CIS's goal is to receive 1,000 shoes by the end of the drive. But any donations they receive will be greatly appreciated. They will accept shoe sizes from toddler 12 through adult 14. Winter clothing including gloves, coats, socks, and sweaters will also be accepted.
You can donate to the locations listed below at any time between Nov. 15 to Dec. 15.
- Communities in Schools, 4520 E. Central Texas Expressway, Suite 106, Killeen
- Central Texas College Student Lounge, 6200 W. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen
- Texas A&M Central Texas, 1001 Leadership Place, Killeen
- Carlson Law Firm, 100 E. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen
- Carlson Law Firm, 2010 SW HK Dodgen Loop, Suite 201, Temple
- Salado ISD Admin Building, 601 N. Main St., Salado