‘Shoes And Socks’ Program Big Help For Needy Children

Thu., Sept. 30, 1999

By Kristen Kromer kristenk@spokesman.com

Monday was a little like Christmas for 20 kids at the Salvation Army’s child-care program.

New shoes and socks were given out to eager 4-year-olds, who quickly put them on, then waited patiently for help with the lacing.

Chance Adcox excitedly received a pair of sneakers.

“Look at my shoes! And I got socks!” he said, then sat down to examine the soles. “Wow! Look at the bottom!”

After a quick lesson from an adult, Chance learned to tie a bow and set out to offer his services to others.

“Want me to tie yours?” he asked Austin Taylor, standing proudly in small black boots.

Meanwhile, Skylah Tom sped from wall to wall like a bee trapped in a jam jar.

“I can run faster!”

she gasped.

After all the shoes were handed out, the women responsible for the gifts stood back and smiled.

Last April, Alice Hochhalter and four other women from Ridgeview Christian Center started the “Shoes and Socks” ministry, which provides a sturdy pair of shoes and two pairs of new socks for needy children. Since then, Hochhalter said she’s spent about $700 and given out 64 pairs of shoes and 128 pairs of socks to kids at Ridgeview Elementary School, the Salvation Army and the Salvation Army’s SAFE Center Shelter.

The idea for the ministry blossomed from an idea planted by a TV show. For three Sundays in a row, Hochhalter listened to her church pastor talk about God-given ministries. As she was trying to figure out what hers was, she saw a woman on TV who helped the homeless by giving them a good pair of shoes.

“Why can’t I do that?” she thought, and ran the idea by her pastor who told her to go for it. Hochhalter said she’s gotten lots of support from local businesses and community members in the form of monetary donations and discounted shoe prices.

“We’d like to see more people see what we’re doing, so we can get more funds,” she said. Actual shoe donations are discouraged, however, since they may not be able to find someone to fit the size.

“I’d just like to see more children have shoes,” Hochhalter added. “That’s my ministry, and I’m really excited about it.”

And she’s not the only one. Parents are also excited about the program.

“I was going to have to get him snow boots soon,” said Kyla Reed as she watched her son Nick display new tan boots. “This will help a lot.”

DETAILS For more information about the Shoes and Socks program, call Ridgeview Christian Center at 326-2913.

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